Cancun, Q.R. — President of the National Chamber of Restaurants (Canirac) says they had a disappointing summer season in Cancun. While city eateries had hoped for a busy holiday season, that did not happen.
Canirac (Cámara Nacional de la Industria de Restaurantes y Alimentos Condimentados) President Julio Villarreal Zapata says they failed to meet projected sales.
He said restaurant occupancy levels averaged only 70 percent, well below the 85 percent threshold considered necessary for financial stability. He said the month of September will offer even more complications since it is historically one of the lowest tourist months in the region.
According to union reports, during the first week of the month, restaurants have been operating at between 40 to 50 percent of their capacity, figures that fall short of the break-even point. He says these low figures are putting pressure on the sector’s profitability.
Villarreal Zapata says given this, the restaurant industry is looking to the upcoming September national holidays to boost sales with special menus and promotions.
“By consuming locally, we strengthen the circular economy and protect an industry that creates thousands of jobs in the region,” he said.
