Strong winds have battered the state of Quintana Roo, forcing the Regional Harbor Master’s Office to suspend nautical and recreational activities in key tourist areas, including Puerto Juárez, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, and Playa del Carmen.
Wind gusts of up to 40 kilometers per hour, commonly known as “surada,” have wreaked havoc on the region’s boating industry. Ricardo Muleiro, director of Nautical Associates of Quintana Roo (ANQR), said that his organization is closely monitoring authorities’ instructions as adverse weather conditions are expected to persist in the coming days.
The suspension of nautical activities has led to a significant economic blow for the tourism sector, with estimated daily losses reaching $300,000. The impact is felt across various aspects, including ticket sales, transfers, and commissions. However, industry stakeholders remain optimistic about the upcoming Easter holiday season, hoping to achieve 75 percent occupancy if weather conditions allow for normal operations.
According to forecasts by the National Meteorological Service (SMN), partly cloudy skies with scattered showers are expected in Quintana Roo, accompanied by warm to very hot temperatures during the afternoon. The Yucatan Peninsula is also bracing itself for southerly winds with speeds of 20 to 40 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 70 kilometers per hour, as well as waves of 1 to 3 meters high on the coasts of Campeche and Quintana Roo.
In a separate development, nautical entrepreneurs in Quintana Roo reported a decline in demand for their services following an increase in fees for entry to Protected Natural Areas (PNA) that went into effect on January 1. The new fee structure had been expected to take hold in February, but its impact is already being felt.
Source: Reportur
