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New rules applied for tourist vendors inside Tulum archaeological zone

Tulum, Q.R. — Kiosks inside the archaeological zone of Tulum considered irregular are being removed. So far, officials have towed eight modules considered irregular and owners warned they will not allow continued abuse against tourists.

Rubén Prado, the Director of Tulum Inspection and Collection, said they began removing the problem kiosks last week. Tow trucks were brought into the commercial area of the archaeological zone from where booths operating without permits were towed. Kiosks found to not be in use were also removed.

Last week, “a tour was carried out where the booth owners were told to remove their modules that were not in use. We began to remove them Wednesday night to clear the entrances to the archaeological zone,” he said.

On Thursday, a second visit was carried out where inspectors provided kiosk owners with updated guidelines on operating inside the zone. According to Prado, they will no longer be allowed to leave the kiosk to run out and grab tourists from the street.

He said offenders will be fined, have their business closed or be denied operating permits. Prado said the new rules are due to numerous complaints about tourists being approached, harassed and even defrauded by some tourist service providers.

“The purpose is to inform the vendors of the regulations that they will have to respect. Those who have their permits will be able to operate but in an orderly manner. They have already been given instructions on how this regulation will proceed,” he said.

The eight modules towed from the zone since Wednesday was a coordinated project between National Guard, the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas, the Directorate of Commerce, the Directorate of Economy, Urban Development and the Traffic Police of Tulum.