Chetumal Maritime Terminal Restaurant Space Available for Lease

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo) has announced it will once again lease the space located on the upper level of the Chetumal maritime terminal. The administration had hoped that leasing the space would strengthen local economic activity and turn the fiscal pier into another attraction for visitors and residents, but unfortunately, those plans have remained only intentions.

This is because, although a five-year concession was granted to a businessman who met all the requirements requested by the General Coordination of Ports and was up to date with his corresponding payments, he has chosen to abandon the facilities and close the restaurant that had been operating there since last year.

“It was concessioned to a private party, and I believe it had a restaurant theme, but in the end, it was not a viable business,” a source stated. “So the premises remain there, and whoever wants to take it, we are in the best disposition to rent it. It’s like in any terminal we have in Cozumel, Isla Mujeres; a lease contract is made, and they can take the premises for the restaurant business. The goal is for the pier, where many families go for a stroll, to also be a meeting and socializing point, to have another attraction because the view is beautiful and can be taken advantage of.”

This place, which has mostly been used to sell food and beverages, was unoccupied during the previous administration, which revoked the permit. It was not until the current government that it was put up for rent again.

The source added that in the piers under Apiqroo’s administration, there are premises being used for the sale of handicrafts, or where pharmacies, cafeterias, and convenience stores have been installed, as the constant flow of passengers represents a quite attractive option for entrepreneurs. For this reason, 90% of the spaces are leased.

It was specified that there is constant supervision by the organization to verify that the premises are in good condition and comply with the guidelines established in the contract, which has been respected so far.

“In quick numbers, I can tell you that, for example, in Isla Mujeres, out of 40 premises, I only have 3 free. So, the commercialization we have in the terminals is really strong, and there is demand. We have a 90% rental rate, and all are supervised to ensure they are operating as they should and comply with what is established in their contracts. So far, we have not had any problems in this regard.”

It was highlighted that there is interest from entrepreneurs for this iconic place to once again offer gastronomic experiences to residents and tourists, so they are confident that it can reopen its doors shortly.