Playa Del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue Revamp: Transforming a Tourist Landmark

In an effort to enhance the appeal and boost international recognition of Fifth Avenue, Solidaridad's municipal president, Estefanía Mercado, led a tour of the area. She was joined by business leaders and members of her cabinet. Mercado emphasized the importance of collaboration with the private sector to rejuvenate Fifth Avenue, a landmark of Playa del Carmen.

Mercado stated, "We aim to govern with an open-door policy, working hand-in-hand with the business sector to restore Fifth Avenue to its former glory. The current state is not representative of what we wish to showcase at tourist fairs."

During the tour, Mercado highlighted the need for close cooperation with private businesses, which can transform challenges into opportunities for development. She stressed that the tour helped identify the main issues plaguing Fifth Avenue, setting the stage for a joint project. This project would focus on standardizing the avenue's image, creating a unique identity, and reducing visual pollution.

Mercado explained, "We face significant challenges. The next step is to convene, sketch out plans, make agreements, and assign responsibilities for each area. All entrepreneurs are welcome to participate."

Mercado also announced that similar collaborative initiatives would be undertaken in other parts of the city. She emphasized the importance of entrepreneurs playing a role not only in the economic sphere but also in social aspects, thus necessitating the involvement of citizens.

Business owners and traders raised several issues, including changes in land use, encroachment of sidewalks, poorly maintained cobblestones and planters, and uncovered registers. They also requested the mayor to include the promotion of cultural events and festivals, such as the Day of the Dead, in the municipality's tourism activities.

Representatives from various sectors participated in the tour, including the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (Canirac), the National Chamber of Commerce (Canaco), the Association of Small Hotels, the Riviera Maya Hotel Association, and the Colleges of Architects and Engineers.