Tulum's Tourism Crisis: Hotel Occupancy Plummets Amid High Prices and Sargassum Issues

Strategic Insights -

The Quintana Roo resort destination of Tulum is facing its worst tourism crisis, with a sharp drop in hotel occupancy rates. According to the state Tourism Ministry (Sedetur), hotel occupancy fell by 17.5 percentage points in September compared to the same month last year, from 66.7% to 49.2%. The decline in tourism has left businesses in the area struggling, with videos circulating on social media showing empty streets, restaurants, and beaches. Mayor Diego Castañón attributed the low figures to a slower-than-usual low season, but other officials, including Jorge Portillo Mánica, a member of the Tulum City Council, blame the high cost of attractions and the presence of sargassum on the coast.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hotel occupancy in Tulum fell by 17.5 percentage points in September compared to the same month last year, from 66.7% to 49.2%.
  • High prices for attractions, especially for foreign tourists, have been cited as a possible reason for the dip in tourists to Tulum.
  • Sargassum, a type of noxious seaweed, is another contributing factor to the decline in tourism, with large quantities washing up on the coast.
  • Businesses in the area are struggling, with empty streets, restaurants, and beaches visible on social media.
  • Mayor Diego Castañón attributed the low figures to a slower-than-usual low season, but other officials disagree.
  • Jorge Portillo Mánica, a member of the Tulum City Council, reported that hotels in the area reached a mere 15% occupancy during the 2025 summer break.

Statistics:

  • Hotel occupancy in Tulum fell by 17.5 percentage points in September, from 66.7% to 49.2%.
  • The amount of sargassum washing up on the coast has been described as "unprecedented" for much of the year.
  • Over 69,000 people have liked a social media post complaining about the high costs of lodging, recreational activities, and food in Tulum.
  • The post was featured on multiple news outlets, including Animal Político, El Economista, and Milenio.

Sources:

  • Sedetur (State Tourism Ministry)
  • Cuartoscuro (social media)
  • Animal Político
  • El Economista
  • Milenio