Cancun, Q.R. — The federal agency of Fonatur has reported the dismissal of its Cancun delegate, Raúl Bermúdez Arreola. In a letter, the National Fund for the Promotion of Tourism (Fonatur) said the dismissal was due to an internal investigation.
Raúl Bermúdez Arreola of the Fondo Nacional de Fomento al Turismo (Fonatur) was removed from the position as part of an investigation opened by the Ministry of Public Function for the rental of Villas Chakté, a Fonatur-owned house built during the term of President Felipe Calderón (2006-2012).
The house, which was built in Cancun for visiting heads including Mexico’s presidents, has since been posted publicly online and made available for rent.
The government owned Villas Chakté house in Punta Nizuc was allegedly given approval to be rented by the Cancun Fonatur delegate, Raúl Bermúdez.
The general director of Fonatur, Rogelio Jiménez Pons, confirmed through a statement the provisional dismissal of Bermúdez Arreola during an investigation by the Internal Control Body. The federal agency also accepted the resignation presented by Arreloa on November 30.
“Yes (he was removed from office) while the Villas Chakté investigation is being conducted. We know that Raúl has no quarrel, but he must be separated from the position so as not to interfere with what is being investigated,” said Fonatur in a brief statement.
The government agency said they are collaborating with the Ministry of Public Function, through its Internal Control Body, to clarify facts, “and will not tolerate, if applicable, any act of corruption or illegal acts.”
Bermúdez Arreola was reported for offering the Villas Chacté presidential house for rent on Airbnb at a cost of 10,000 peso per night. The resources from the rental property were allegedly deposited into a private account, which is the part of the investigation.
