Mahahual, Q.R. — The arrival of Sargasso continues to affect areas in the south of the state such as Mahahual and Xcalak, reports the Secretary of Tourism.
Marisol Vanegas Perez, the Secretary of Tourism for the state says that Mahahual is the main destination in need of immediate action to combat sargassum, being one of the most overcome places.
She reports when beach cleaners remove the sargasso, it is completely covered again within two days, adding that barriers and permanent cleaning efforts are required. Both Mahahual and Xcalak have seen a decline in hotel occupancy.
Luciano Consoli, president of la Fundación Mahahual, says he fears Mahahual could become a ghost town for a few months and suffer consequences such as the closing of restaurants and other local businesses. Some visitors, he says, have gone as far as to shorten the length of their stay due to the smell of the sargasso, adding that if something is not done, Mahahual could face a very complicated summer.
He says that for now, however, the continued arrival of cruise ships is keeping area tourism alive.
