Tulum, Q.R. — Federal authorities met with state officials Monday in Mexico City to discuss Tulum’s economic quandary. Governor Mara Lezama and Mayor Diego Castañón were part of a large group that met to discuss strategic actions.
According to the government report, the Mexico City meeting was held with the Secretary of Tourism of the Mexican Government, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, to analyze strategic actions promoting tourism development in Tulum.
At the meeting, authorities reviewed the main challenges and opportunities facing the destination, from the infrastructure and ground connectivity of Tulum International Airport to tourism promotion, planning and open access to beaches through Jaguar Park.
“Tulum is a source of pride for Quintana Roo and Mexico and deserves an orderly, sustainable and socially just development model that guarantees the rights of its residents and visitors,” Governor Lezama said.
Lezama reported that during the meeting, they also addressed the importance of enabling mobility options that facilitate the flow of visitors to local commercial areas, so that tourism directly benefits the people and the economy of communities.
On Monday, Mayor Castañón reported “I participated in a very productive roundtable with Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, and our Governor, Mara Lezama, to strengthen tourism development in Tulum.”
The meeting was held after months of voiced concerns by local Tulum residents regarding a plunge in tourism. The situation has been further complicated by a management group operating the federal government’s Jaguar Park.
Overly expensive fees to enter the park enhanced by a lack of free public beach access throughout the municipality has been blamed for the lack of both national and international tourism. Other issues regarding high fees charged at the Tulum airport coupled with a lack of municipal infrastructure have contributed to the decline in flights at the state’s newest international airport.
Mayor Castañón said he will continue to work with authorities on solutions to improve airport connectivity and ensure free beach access through the Jaguar Park.
“Together with federal and state authorities we analyzed solutions that promote an orderly, sustainable and socially just development model: from improving connectivity at the International Airport to ensuring free access to the beaches through Jaguar Park and strengthening mobility to local commercial areas.”
“I thank all the participating authorities for their support and commitment. We will continue working together and will keep you informed of every development that brings greater well-being to our people in Tulum and Quintana Roo.”
