$200M Boost for Cozumel’s Tourism and Pueblo Mágico Status

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The Secretary of Tourism for Quintana Roo, Bernardo Cueto Riestra, has announced a $200 million peso investment aimed at enhancing Cozumel’s tourism infrastructure and visitor services. The initiative also includes plans to regulate short-term rentals offered through digital platforms to ensure safety and fiscal equity in the tourism sector.

Infrastructure and Visitor Services Upgrades

The funding, sourced from fees paid by cruise passengers under an agreement between shipping companies and state and municipal governments, will be allocated to improving tourist service areas and upgrading streets in the city’s central district. The Malecón de Cozumel is among the key spaces set to benefit from the investment.

Cueto Riestra noted that hotel occupancy on the island has averaged 80% during the first quarter of the year, with over 250,000 tourists arriving via maritime routes and the airport. Additionally, more than 1.5 million cruise passengers have visited Cozumel in the same period.

Strengthening Cozumel’s 'Pueblo Mágico' Status

The investment will also support improvements to align with the requirements of the Pueblo Mágico program, a designation Cozumel currently holds. Efforts will focus on cultural activities and enhancing the island’s image as a premier destination. Further details on these projects will be disclosed in the coming weeks.

The Secretary emphasized that safety measures for tourists remain a priority, with the goal of positioning Cozumel as one of the safest destinations in the Mexican Caribbean.

Regulating Digital Short-Term Rentals

Addressing the rise of unregulated short-term rentals through digital platforms—which currently operate without the tax obligations of registered hotels—Cueto Riestra stated that mechanisms are being implemented to integrate these accommodations into the fiscal system. The strategy includes incorporating these rentals into the Retur-Q program to ensure compliance and oversight.

Authorities will closely monitor the sector to guarantee that all digital rental providers are properly registered, offering security for both visitors and hosts.