Despite the fact that recent participation in the 2026 Tianguis Turístico helped solidify the destination’s image nationally, the Small Hotels Association issued a warning about the structural challenges that tarnish the visitor experience. According to the sector, international promotion is insufficient if the problems specifically affecting the municipality’s downtown area are not addressed.
Offner Arjona, leader of the small hoteliers, highlighted that the 50th edition of the event, held in Acapulco, was a strategic platform. However, he emphasized that the Riviera Maya is not a uniform region and that the heart of Solidaridad requires a differentiated approach.
Specific strategies are urgently needed for downtown Playa del Carmen. For Arjona, the growth expectations following the Tianguis are favorable, but he warns that downtown Playa del Carmen suffers from “chronic problems” that must be addressed urgently. Among the factors that most impact tourists’ perceptions are insecurity, uncontrolled street vending, and excessive noise levels in nightclubs.
The representative also pointed out that regulating vacation rentals remains an unresolved issue that creates unfair competition. Adding to this is the parking meter system, which, due to a lack of clear information, ends up penalizing visitors. “There are tourists who arrive for one night and, upon leaving dinner, find their car immobilized. It’s a bad first impression that directly affects the destination’s reputation,” he explained.
Another critical point mentioned was the management of microalgae. Although the efforts to clean the beaches are acknowledged, the hotel sector maintains that current investment is insufficient to curb the environmental and visual impact.
Arjona emphasized that the real solution must come from managing the algae offshore to prevent it from reaching the shore. “Work is underway, but more infrastructure and more robust logistics are needed to efficiently contain the sargassum,” he stated, noting that beach quality is the determining factor for the return of domestic tourism.
Occupancy below expectations during the May bank holiday weekend
Despite intense promotion, the numbers for the last short holiday period fell short of expectations. During the May bank holiday weekend, small hotels registered occupancy rates between 75% and 80%, leaving a number of empty rooms that the sector hoped to fill.
This slowdown could be linked to travelers opting for events in nearby destinations and to market sensitivity to local issues. The hotelier concluded that, while Playa del Carmen remains a benchmark, visitor loyalty depends on a comprehensive improvement in public services and urban security.
Source: ruptura
