35% of Quintana Roo Tourism Businesses Plan Loans to Cover Year-End Costs

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The end of the year will test the finances of tourism companies in Quintana Roo, with about 35 percent of business owners affiliated with Skål México expecting to take out loans to meet their year-end obligations, including commitments to their workers, as costs rise and profit margins tighten.

Maru Moreno, vice president of the tourism professionals’ association, warned that operating expenses and economic difficulties are complicating the outlook for businesses that must gather resources to cover labor commitments and keep their operations running.

Moreno said the strain is also visible in commercial districts. She pointed to Playa del Carmen’s Quinta Avenida, saying she had never seen as many vacant storefronts as there are now. Rising taxes and other costs are adding further pressure on the sector, she added.

While Moreno acknowledged that signs of recovery are beginning to emerge, she cautioned that attracting more visitors by cutting prices does not guarantee better financial results. Higher occupancy can translate into lower revenue if room rates fail to offset operating costs.

Given that scenario, she said conditions must be created to help businesses stay open and protect jobs. Moreno also said the tourism challenge goes beyond drawing visitors: businesses must offer experiences that meet guests’ expectations and justify their spending during their stay.