Tulum Tourism Plummets: Beach Restrictions Hit Local Economy

Tulum is witnessing a significant decrease in demand for motorcycle and bicycle rentals, severely impacting local businesses. The tourism sector is reporting substantial losses due to a reduction in visitors, particularly domestic tourists who typically boost the season at this time of year. David Torres, a representative of rental company Carcón, confirmed the downturn, stating that sales have dropped by over 50% compared to the previous year.

International tourism has also been less robust than anticipated. Many visitors have expressed dissatisfaction with the restrictions on public beach access, a factor that Torres believes has directly affected the influx of tourists. Tulum has lost its appeal for domestic tourists who usually flock to the destination during this period. The lack of free beach access has led them to favor cities like Playa del Carmen and Cancun, where unrestricted recreational options are still available. The privatization and closure of beach access points have triggered a tourist exodus, impacting not just vehicle rental businesses, but the entire local economy. Restaurant owners, hoteliers, and merchants have raised concerns about the drop in visitors and its effect on their revenue.

The crisis has been exacerbated by the lack of clear information about public beach access in Tulum. The newly established Jaguar National Park has caused discontent among visitors seeking sun and public beaches, who opt not to pay the park's entrance fee. Furthermore, there are no visible maps or signs indicating where tourists can freely access the beaches in the ninth county. The absence of clearly defined routes and official information has created an environment of uncertainty, benefiting only those who control private access points.