Uncertain Impact of Tulum Airport on Majahual Hotels

Hotel owners in Majahual are uncertain whether the Tulum International Airport has increased the number of visitors to their area. This contrasts with reports from the Association of Hotels in Central and South Quintana Roo, which suggest an increase in traveler arrivals.

Gerardo Pérez Zafra, a representative for the local hotel sector, has stated that it's been difficult to measure whether the increase in international flights has had a positive impact. Travelers have voiced concerns about the high transportation costs from the airport to the Mayan coast, suggesting that routes to Chetumal would be more cost-effective.

In response to these concerns, Zafra has proposed that tourism authorities intervene to reduce transportation costs from Tulum, or to establish more connections to the state capital, Chetumal. This would not only save money, but also time, as Chetumal is closer to the Mayan coast.

Zafra also noted that May is a challenging month for tourism due to a significant decrease in visitors. However, a few years ago, they implemented a strategy of lowering their rates during this season. This has proven attractive for tourists, who take advantage of these promotions to visit the Mayan coast. As a result, hotels are able to maintain acceptable occupancy rates and generate income to cover operating expenses, payrolls, and taxes.

These promotions are crucial for preventing hotel closures due to lack of guests. This is especially important during weeks when there are no cruise ship dockings due to weather conditions. During these times, businesses that rely on cruise ship tourists, such as craft shops and restaurants, use this time to maintain their premises, make repairs, or restock with new merchandise.