Hotel Council Fights Sargassum Disaster Label

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The Hotel Council of the Mexican Caribbean has expressed strong opposition to a legislative proposal by Senator Mayuli Martínez Simón, which seeks to officially classify sargassum as a natural disaster. The council warned that such a designation could harm the perception of tourist destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, particularly as the summer vacation season approaches.

Concerns Over Tourism Impact

The Hotel Council acknowledged that sargassum poses a significant environmental challenge but emphasized that it is a recurring and seasonal phenomenon. They argued that addressing the issue requires reliable scientific data, technical solutions, and a sustained interinstitutional strategy rather than labeling it a disaster.

The council cautioned that the proposal could create unnecessary alarm among tourists, potentially affecting the region’s economy. The Mexican Caribbean is a globally recognized destination, valued not only for its beaches but also for its cultural richness, biodiversity, gastronomy, and connectivity.

Calls for Collaborative Solutions

Hoteliers stated that they are already taking responsibility for mitigating sargassum’s effects by funding beach cleanups, maintaining barriers, and disposing of the seaweed. However, they urged federal, state, and local governments to collaborate on a shared strategy with institutional accountability.

The council requested that Senator Martínez Simón focus on concrete legislative measures to strengthen local capacities. Key proposals included:

• Tax incentives for private-sector expenses related to sargassum cleanup and collection.
• Increased federal funding for comprehensive and sustainable solutions.

Debate Over Sargassum Utilization

Senator Eugenio “Gino” Segura Vázquez, head of the Senate’s Tourism Commission, highlighted the complexity of the sargassum phenomenon, noting its variability due to ocean currents, fertilizers, and climate change. He also questioned the economic feasibility of industrial sargassum projects, such as converting it into fertilizer, cosmetics, or construction materials, citing uncertainty in annual seaweed volumes as a risk for investors and employment.

Proposed Funding Mechanism

Senator Martínez Simón also introduced a separate initiative to allocate a portion of the Non-Resident Tax (DNR) revenue toward a comprehensive sargassum strategy. This would fund research, prevention, technology, and cleanup efforts in affected areas.

The Hotel Council reiterated its commitment to sustainable development and open dialogue, emphasizing that the livelihoods of thousands of workers in the tourism sector depend on the region’s continued appeal to visitors.