Playa del Carmen, November 20 – In an effort to combat informal trade in the tourist area, more than 60 street vendors have been removed from Fifth Avenue and surrounding streets to keep the walkway clear.
Antón Bojórquez, Secretary of Economic Development and Investment Attraction, announced the removals but acknowledged that several vendors have managed to return. Current laws allow offenders to recover their equipment and materials after paying a fine, prompting Bojórquez to call for legislative changes to address the issue more effectively.
“We, by law, have to return the things once they pay their fine. We definitely need to change that part of the law to make this more effective, because otherwise they will keep coming back,” Bojórquez stated.
The secretary also mentioned plans to hold talks with leaders operating on Fifth Avenue to seek agreements for the voluntary withdrawal of informal vendors. He emphasized the importance of maintaining alliances with established merchants to preserve the “shine” of Playa del Carmen, a major tourist attraction.
The strategy aims to balance the fight against street vendors with the promotion of formal commerce, protecting the image of Fifth Avenue as a symbol of Playa del Carmen and a key destination for national and international tourists.
Source: Diario Cambio 22
