Riviera Maya tourism faces low occupancy and economic shifts

The tourism sector in the Riviera Maya, specifically in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, is facing a significant downturn in occupancy rates. In Tulum, coastal hotel occupancy has fallen below 20%, with all-inclusive resorts also seeing rates under 30%. This decline has led some establishments, such as Sanará Tulum and Serena Glamping Tulum, to temporarily suspend operations. In Playa del Carmen, small hotels reported an 18% occupancy rate for early September, a sharp drop from the 48% average seen during the summer.

Industry leaders attribute the slump to various factors, including increased federal taxes on non-resident rights, security concerns, and environmental issues like sargassum. Business representatives are calling for economic diversification to reduce dependence on tourism and are seeking improved mobility and clearer taxi pricing to enhance the visitor experience.

In response to these challenges, the Quintana Roo Secretariat of Tourism (Sedetur) has announced a joint strategy with the real estate sector. The initiative aims to attract new investment and infrastructure projects, with a goal of adding 10,000 new rooms by 2028. The plan also emphasizes promoting community-based tourism to diversify the regional economy.