Tourist Exodus: Hurricane Beryl Sparks Mass Evacuations

Tourist numbers in Quintana Roo have fallen by approximately 33,700 in the past week, due to the imminent arrival of Hurricane 'Beryl'. The current visitor count across all destinations in the state is estimated at 348,300.

In Tulum, a potential hurricane hotspot, there are currently 29,000 tourists. Meanwhile, in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, there are 275 visitors. Evacuations have already begun in these areas to ensure the safety of tourists. Similar efforts are being made in Holbox to assist those who wish to leave the island.

According to the Secretary of Tourism, daily visitor numbers have dropped by 8.8% since the start of the week, when a total of 382,000 were recorded, mainly in the northern area of Quintana Roo. To ensure the safety of tourists, collaborations with hotel associations are ongoing to identify shelters and action plans.

The projected path of the hurricane is towards the center of the state, with Tulum potentially facing a direct hit. The town is currently hosting an estimated 25,000 tourists, 4,000 fewer than last Tuesday. The municipality has at least five shelters available for tourists.

In Felipe Carrillo Puerto, home to the Maya Ka'an destination, there are an estimated 232 visitors. Two communities in this area have already been evacuated due to potential risks.

Bernardo Cueto Riestra, Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo, announced that meetings are being held with private sector representatives and municipal tourism officials to coordinate safety measures.

In Holbox, while no evacuation is currently planned, those who wish to leave the island can do so free of charge. The island currently has 3,738 tourists. The Holbox Hotel Association has issued a communication to hotels, informing them of the measures to be taken, including the option for guests to leave the island.

Preparations are also underway in hotel zones to withstand the potential winds and rain from Hurricane 'Beryl'. The Xcaret Group parks have announced their closure as a precautionary measure.

Airlines have also announced support for travelers with flights scheduled between July 2 and 5. Bus company ADO has announced that the last service for Cancún and Playa del Carmen will be at 8:00 pm, while in Tulum, the last bus will depart at 6:00 pm. In Felipe Carrillo Puerto, the last bus will leave at 5:00 pm, and in Bacalar and Chetumal, the last service will be at 8:00 pm.