Boost Occupancy: Mexican Caribbean Hotels Target Domestic Market

Despite a promising outlook for the summer season with a steady increase in reservations, hoteliers in the Mexican Caribbean are turning their attention to the domestic market. The move is intended to boost occupancy rates, as international markets such as Brazil and Colombia are proving problematic.

Brazilian tourists are unable to visit due to a ban on electronic visas, while Colombian visitors have been deterred by past negative experiences. Jesús Almaguer, president of the Association of Hotels in Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres (AHCPM&IM) and the Mexican Caribbean Hotel Council, expressed regret that the electronic visa system is not currently operational in Brazil.

The tourism industry has been grappling with this issue for over a year, leading to a loss of more than 50,000 Brazilian tourists each month. This has resulted in financial losses exceeding 1.2 million dollars, impacting businesses, governments, and citizens due to lost tax revenue and economic activity. Almaguer lamented the lack of vision from authorities in addressing this issue, which he believes could stimulate the economy and create jobs in the southern region of the country.

Almaguer suggested that the visa restrictions on Brazil may be a response to diplomatic pressures from Mexico's northern neighbor. However, he assured that the hotel industry will continue to lobby the Secretary of the Interior and Foreign Relations to implement the delayed electronic visa system.

Despite these challenges, the summer season, which typically sees a surge in Brazilian tourism, is looking positive. Reservations are increasing, and the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ) is actively engaging with Brazil. They are forming partnerships with major tour operators who have access to Brazilian clients with American visas, in an effort to attract this market.

While the situation in Brazil is a significant setback, the industry is ramping up its promotional efforts towards the domestic market for the summer season. This includes organizing caravans and familiarization tours, as the national market is a major contributor to the tourism sector.