Riviera Maya Hoteliers Refuse Sargassum Costs!

Hotel owners in Riviera Maya are refusing to continue covering the costs of Sargassum collection. The Riviera Maya Hotel Association argues that since the seaweed lands in federal zones, the responsible entities should bear the expenses. The hotel industry currently pays up to 2 billion pesos annually for this task.

Tony Chaves, president of the association, stated that they have been dealing with the Sargassum issue for nearly four years. The association has attempted to see the seaweed as an opportunity rather than a waste product. However, Chaves emphasized that the hotel industry cannot continue to shoulder the responsibility and costs of Sargassum collection alone.

Chaves has been vocal about this issue for three years, stating, "It's impossible for the hotel sector to continue collecting and paying for this at its own expense. We’re talking about 120 million dollars, around 2 billion pesos a year, that's unbearable." He added that while the hotels have been cooperating, it is not legally their responsibility.

Chaves highlighted that the primary concern is not just the Sargassum reaching the beaches, but also the impact on marine life, including coral reefs and various species. He stressed the need for solutions as the seaweed will continue to be present.

The association also aims to encourage both state and federal governments to support companies that plan to repurpose the seaweed into usable products. This was a key objective of the "Mexico-European Union National Forum to turn sargassum into an opportunity".

Chaves concluded by stating that the results of projects funded by the First BBVA National Sustainability Challenge 2023 "Together for the Mexican Caribbean", which use Sargassum in various products, will be revealed in November of this year.

TAGS Riviera Maya Hotel Association, SARGASSUM, Tony Chaves