Starbucks closes Tulum hotel zone location after 11 years

The Starbucks branch located at kilometer 7.5 on the Boca Paila road in Tulum has closed after 11 years of operation. The location, which operated as Starbucks Ahau Tulum, was a unique storefront designed with local limestone and chukum stucco to reflect the coastal aesthetic.

The closure occurs amid a broader economic downturn in the Tulum tourism sector. Local reports indicate that hotel occupancy has dropped from approximately 74.67% to 63.69% this year. The region has seen significant business instability, with roughly 70 businesses closing since January, including boutique hotels and restaurants. Additionally, the gastronomic sector has reported losses of 60%, and airlines such as Volaris and Aeroméxico have suspended flights to the Tulum airport.

While Alsea, the corporation managing Starbucks in Mexico, has not officially announced the reason for the closure, the move coincides with a global restructuring by Starbucks. The company recently disclosed plans to close approximately 250 stores in North America by the end of the year as part of a $300 million restructuring effort.