A significant portion of workers who were involved in the Mayan Train project, primarily from the state of Chiapas, have chosen to remain in Tulum. This decision comes after the completion of the project's key stages, lured by the increasing job opportunities in various business sectors within the municipality. While some will return to their original homes, others view Tulum as a chance to establish a new home base.
Marco Antonio Diaz, a site supervisor from Palenque, Chiapas, shared in an interview that the decision to stay or leave is individual. While some of his colleagues are eager to return home and reunite with their families, others are contemplating staying. "It's a personal choice. If you have a secure job, you can choose to stay. Some are eager to see their families and return to their hometowns. Personally, I might go back for a short time and then return to continue working," Diaz explained. He also noted that the majority of Mayan Train workers are from Chiapas.
Tulum's growth as a tourist and commercial hub has spurred job creation in areas like construction, hospitality, and services. The completion of the Mayan Train project has opened new opportunities for skilled workers, who find a growing job market in the municipality. "There's a high demand for skilled labor, particularly in construction and maintenance. Local companies are seeking experienced individuals, and many of the Mayan Train workers possess the necessary skills to fill these roles," stated Rafa Dominguez, a local businessman.
The decision of these workers to settle in Tulum could positively impact the local economy, but it also presents challenges in infrastructure and housing. As the population increases, the city will need to address the rising demand for basic services and housing. For many workers, choosing to stay in Tulum represents not just an economic opportunity, but a new beginning. "It's a great place to work and live. If we continue to see job opportunities, we'll choose to stay here," Diaz concluded.
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