Quintana Roo faces sub‑60% hotel occupancy amid sargazo and tourism downturn

The Mexican Caribbean entered the summer season with average hotel occupancy below 60%, far lower than expected for the peak period. The Sistema de Información Turística de Quintana Roo (SITUR) recorded 59.6% occupancy for the week of 4‑10 July, with small hotels in Playa del Carmen averaging only 32%. Over 83,000 tons of sargazo have washed ashore this year, staining beaches and deterring visitors. About 15% of small hotels have temporarily closed or ceased operations due to the financial strain.

The tourism slump has also hit the restaurant sector, where many establishments have shut down or reduced hours because of falling sales and rising operating costs. Several restaurants in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and other municipalities have closed permanently, and “dark kitchens” are increasing competition.

In response, former Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal has proposed a temporary unemployment‑insurance scheme for tourism workers, funded by federal, state and private contributions, to protect incomes during low‑season downturns. Local hotel and business leaders are meeting with the federal tourism secretary to discuss recovery strategies.