Cozumel’s Plaza del Sol Artisans Struggle as Tourism Drops

Cozumel, MX — Tenants of the traditional Plaza del Sol, a property owned by the municipal government, are facing a "terrible" economic situation due to low tourist arrivals, according to Jessica Vélez, secretary of the Cozumel Artisans Union.

"Sales are terrible. We are in a very critical situation. I believe it's the same across the entire island, because the tourists are not reaching us here," she added in a brief interview.

She stated that, up to this point, they have not received support from municipal authorities to re-establish a stopping area adjacent to the plaza, a measure intended to encourage tourists to visit the property.

"Taxis and buses stop, and immediately a patrol car arrives and in less than five minutes, they take their license plates, which prevents people from reaching us and getting the economic spillover we need," she asserted.

Jessica Vélez considered that this difficult situation could push many tenants to fall behind on their rental payments.

She emphasized that for this reason she has insisted on receiving support from the City Council, but they have not obtained a response to date.

"So, that's what I ask myself: how can you ask me to be current on payments if you are obstructing customers from coming to the plaza?" she questioned finally.