Noting that occupancy rates have fallen short of expectations so far this holiday season, the Mexican Hotel Association of Yucatán (AMHY) indicated that digital lodging platforms continue to severely impact the state’s tourism sector. As a result, they have initiated steps to regulate these platforms and create a level playing field.
AMHY President Juan José Martín Pacheco outlined the current situation using official industry figures. He pointed out that the formal hotel industry has a record of 17,700 rooms throughout the state, while platforms like Airbnb already offer approximately 9,800 properties.
To put the impact into perspective, the supply from digital platforms represents roughly 57.6% of the total traditional hotel infrastructure. The main factor contributing to this problem is that these platforms do not pay the same taxes as regulated establishments, creating unfair competition in the region.
“Airbnb brings approximately 9,800 properties to Yucatán, and they have already begun the regularization process. We’ve started in the state with the water issue, and we will also be working with the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and Civil Protection regarding land use,” he noted.
While formal hotels maintain a fixed cost structure, direct employment, and strict tax burdens, the rapid expansion of short-term rental properties doubles the accommodation supply without the same obligations, the hotel official explained.
Martín Pacheco reiterated that the immediate action plan includes negotiations with the CFE, as well as addressing requirements from Civil Protection and land use guidelines, since the ultimate goal of these measures is to guarantee a level playing field that compels platforms to comply with the same standards as organized hotels.
The official emphasized the difference in the user experience, where formality provides a crucial competitive advantage. He also affirmed that visitors who choose a hotel receive confidence, certainty, and the specific quality of the services they contract.
Finally, the president of AMHY shared that they are working closely with the Ministry of Tourism Development (Sefotur) and the Mérida City Council to strengthen tourism promotion campaigns and highlight the benefits and security offered by staying in a formal establishment.
Source: sipse
