Tulum, Q.R. — President Claudia Sheinbaum arrived in Tulum Thursday for a state work tour. Sheinbaum visited both Tulum and Cancun during her one-day visit to address ongoing issues in Tulum.
During her Tulum tour, she oversaw strategic projects such as the Jaguar Park, efforts to combat sargassum, and the Maya Train’s freight operations. While accessible in Tulum, several residents took the opportunity to address concerns regarding the municipal government’s operations and administrative issues.
“It is a privilege to have our President Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo here in Quintana Roo; we welcome her with all the affection of her people,” Governor Mara Lezama wrote on social media Thursday.
“Together, we toured Jaguar Park, the tourist zone, and various parts of the city of Tulum to review and address — on the ground — issues that are priorities for the people of Tulum.
“Working hand-in-hand with our President, we continue to build social justice and drive forward the works, initiatives, and projects that bring well-being and benefits to every corner of Quintana Roo.”
Although the town of Tulum is portrayed as a world-class tourist destination, various sectors have pointed out stark contrasts with that image. Issues raised by locals include chaotic urban growth, inadequate public services, mobility problems, insecurity, and infrastructure that fails to keep pace with the municipality’s rapid expansion.
Before her tour of the park, President Sheinbaum listened to resident concerns including an alleged case of property dispossession as well as objections to modifications to the natural protected area of Tulum managed by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP).
Her Thursday visit to the state focused on addressing three priority issues which included improving operations, strengthening sargassum strategies, and monitoring the progress of the Maya freight train.
Regarding sargassum, Sheinbaum reiterated that the Mexican government is promoting a comprehensive strategy that includes collecting seaweed at sea before it reaches the beaches.
She also noted that the government is working to utilizing the sargassum through recycling and transformation processes with the goal of reducing the impact on tourism and the environment.
