Concerns Rise as Quintana Roo Tourism Industry Faces Militarization

Quintana Roo legislators recently approved a reform to incorporate the National Guard into the National Defense Secretariat. This move signifies an increase in the militarization of public security, causing concern among tourism industry leaders. They fear this could make the industry vulnerable and potentially lead to human rights issues.

Jesús Almaguer Salazar, the president of the Mexican Caribbean Hotel Council, voiced his opposition to using income from the Non-Resident Right to fund military projects. He argues that these funds should be used to promote tourism in the country. Almaguer proposed that the Army should receive funding equivalent to what other institutions receive, while the remaining funds should be used to stimulate tourism.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s decree states that this income will be used to continue various infrastructure projects, including airports and the Maya Train. However, human rights defense organizations have criticized the militarization of security. They warn of the potential for increased human rights violations and a rise in violence from criminal groups.