# Mexico tourism and hospitality sector decline

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mexico-tourism-and-hospitality-sector-decline
> Updated: 2026-10-02T21:23:22.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 4.

The Mexican hospitality and tourism sectors are experiencing a downturn characterized by declining demand and reduced occupancy rates. In Tulum, hotels have responded to low seasonal demand by implementing price reductions of up to 80 percent, with rates dropping from 5,000 pesos to as low as 800 or 1,000 pesos. Other regions, such as Ciudad Victoria, have reported occupancy drops exceeding 20 percent over the past year.

Connectivity at Tulum International Airport has entered a crisis following the withdrawal of major airlines. Aeroméxico suspended all operations at the terminal on September 30, 2026, citing “market conditions” and a strategy to maximize its route network. Volaris announced it will also suspend all operations to and from the terminal starting January 7, 2027, citing low profitability, low occupancy, and rising operational costs, including fuel and airport fees. Other carriers, such as Avianca, Copa Airlines, and JetBlue, have also reduced or ceased operations.

In response to these departures, Mexicana de Aviación is increasing its presence at the terminal, while Viva Aerobus continues to maintain domestic flights. David Ortiz Mena, president of the Mexican Caribbean Hotel Council, noted that while the loss of flights may impact the destination’s image, it represents a “learning curve” for the new airport, emphasizing that Cancun International Airport remains the primary hub for international passengers. 

Passenger traffic at the airport has seen a sharp decline; during the first half of 2026, the terminal recorded 471,500 passengers, a 33.2 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2025, with international numbers dropping by 40.8 percent.

## Claims

- Volaris will suspend all flights to and from Tulum International Airport starting January 7, 2027. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Low route profitability and low occupancy factors are reasons for the suspension. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Aeroméxico will suspend all operations in Tulum starting September 30, 2026. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The Non-Resident Fee is expected to increase by 35 percent starting in 2027. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Tulum airport moved 471,500 passengers in the first half of 2026, a 33.2 percent decrease from the same period in 2025. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-02: Tulum airport faces airline shifts as Aeroméxico and Volaris suspend flights

Tulum's Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport faces shifting connectivity as Aeroméxico and Volaris suspend flights, leaving Mexicana de Aviación and Viva Aerobus to maintain key domestic operations.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tulum-airport-faces-airline-shifts-as-aeromxico-and-volaris-suspend-flights

### 2026-09-30: Volaris and Aeroméxico suspend flights to Tulum airport

Airlines Volaris and Aeroméxico are suspending flights to Tulum International Airport due to low occupancy, high operational costs, and a significant decline in regional tourism traffic.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/volaris-to-suspend-all-flights-at-tulum-international-airport-in-2027

### 2026-09-27: Aeroméxico suspends all flights to Tulum airport

Aeroméxico is suspending all flights to Tulum International Airport starting September 30, citing market conditions and a need to optimize its route network amid declining regional tourism.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aeromexico-to-end-tulum-flight-operations-in-september

### 2026-09-26: Mexico hotel sector faces declining occupancy and demand

Mexican hotels in Tulum and Ciudad Victoria are reporting significant declines in occupancy and demand, leading to drastic price cuts in Tulum and reduced capacity in Tamaulipas.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-hotel-sector-faces-declining-occupancy-and-demand

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Cite as: Mexico tourism and hospitality sector decline. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mexico-tourism-and-hospitality-sector-decline
