Prepare for the Worst: Riviera Maya Hotels Gear Up for Hurricane Season

The Riviera Maya Hotel Association (AHRM) has formed an Internal Civil Protection Committee. This committee is tasked with updating safety protocols to protect tourists, staff, and facilities as the Atlantic hurricane season approaches.

Each year, the AHRM invites its 120 member hotels to a meeting with the Solidaridad Municipality's meteorologist, Luis Antonio Morales Ocaña. This meeting is used to analyze forecasts and prepare for the months with the highest risk of hurricanes, which run from June 1 to November 30.

The association of hotels has pledged to work closely with local and state authorities to safeguard guests, staff, and facilities from potential weather events along the Quintana Roo coasts. This year, vigilance is particularly important due to factors such as ocean warming, which could increase the number of hurricanes, especially between September and November. However, these events are unpredictable and could happen at any time.

The influx of people to the Yucatan Peninsula who have never experienced a hurricane was also highlighted. As a result, there is a need to educate these individuals on how to respond effectively to such events.

The committee's formation emphasizes the importance for the hotel and tourism industry to update their internal civil protection manuals. They are also encouraged to renew agreements with transportation companies and temporary shelters for potential guest evacuation. Additionally, they should register guests in the Immediate Guest Location System for quick location in the event of a hurricane.

According to the National Water Commission (Conagua) and several US universities, around 23 tropical cyclones are expected in the Atlantic area this year. Of these, approximately 12 will be tropical storms, 6 will be Category 1 or 2 hurricanes, and 5 will be Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricanes. Quintana Roo is one of the six states with water borders that are most likely to be affected by these cyclonic systems.