As a result of this year’s decline in tourism, combined with ongoing violence, at least 70 businesses of various types have closed along Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Some owners hope to reopen next December, while others have shut down permanently, according to organized small business owners Abigail Torres, Arnulfo Salazar, Daniel Santos, María Elena González, and Oscar Aguirre.
“The situation became more difficult this year. We thought business would be better compared to 2025, but starting in April sales began to decline. As the situation worsened, the arrival of sargassum along the coastline caused tourism to drop, while criminal extortion continued at the same time. Many business owners decided to close because it was no longer profitable. You no longer know whether to pay your employees or pay criminal protection money,” said Abigail Torres.
Among the businesses that have closed are the Waterboys restaurant and bar, Sayab clothing store, Porfirios restaurant and bar, El Chachalaco, D’Beatriz boutique, Lunata, and several other restaurants and bars. Many of the properties now appear abandoned.
Business owners say security in Playa del Carmen has gradually deteriorated. They note that closures are no longer limited to Fifth Avenue but have spread throughout the city, arguing that crime is severely affecting the destination as many entrepreneurs choose to shut down out of fear for their lives.
“Owning a business is no longer profitable because of the serious security situation, combined with the impact of sargassum on the economy. It has affected not only businesses but the entire population,” said small business owner Arnulfo Salazar.
According to Daniel Santos, many owners decided to close because of both the economic effects of sargassum and criminal extortion. He said that refusing to pay protection money often leads to threats, while reporting the crimes to authorities can expose victims to retaliation.
“Businesses continue to close because they can no longer sustain themselves. As tourism declines, the economy weakens, and it no longer makes sense to work only to pay taxes and criminal extortion, especially when commercial rents are also very high,” said María Elena González.
Business owners say the climate of violence has intensified, adding that criminal groups demand payments regardless of sales performance. According to their accounts, extortion demands can reach 50,000 pesos per month, depending on the size of the business.
Oscar Aguirre stated that some jewelry store owners have permanently left Playa del Carmen to protect their families, while others have temporarily closed in the hope that tourism will recover, although they remain concerned about becoming victims of extortion.
Source: poresto
