Tulum’s Historic Shops Shut as Tourist Access Changes

TULUM — The transformation of access to the Tulum Archaeological Zone following the implementation of the federal "Parque del Jaguar" project has led to the closure of several historic businesses, including one of the oldest and most emblematic craft shops in the area.

The establishment, founded 38 years ago and dedicated to the sale of Mexican crafts, has closed its doors for good due to a drastic decrease in tourist traffic. This case has become a symbol of the economic impact being faced by small and medium-sized merchants in the area.

The new access scheme includes a high entry cost, which has significantly reduced the number of visitors who tour the commercial area adjacent to the archaeological site. This has affected those who depend on the steady flow of tourists who used to stop to buy souvenirs upon exiting the zone.

Since June, at least five businesses have closed, including small shops and international franchises like Starbucks, which speaks to the severity of the economic situation. The merchants state that they were not consulted or considered when the project was designed, and many now survive on sporadic sales, while others are unable to sustain their operations.

"We depend on the flow of tourists, on those who exit the archaeological zone and take something as a souvenir. That is over. Tourism continues to come to Tulum, but it no longer passes through here," explained a stallholder who is still keeping his business open in the hope that the authorities will reconsider the current conditions.

Among the economic victims of this tourist reconfiguration is Don Alejandro Barrios, a pioneer in the sale of crafts. "It was my life. My children grew up here, and I built my history here, but we couldn't take it anymore," he expressed with sadness following the definitive closure of his shop.

The merchants warn that if strategies are not implemented to balance environmental conservation with local economic well-being, further closures and job losses could continue. They are calling for the establishment of a dialogue with authorities to seek joint solutions that prevent the deterioration of commercial activity in this zone, which for decades has been an essential part of the cultural and tourist identity of Tulum.