Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Business leader Hermes Gomez Coyoc has warned that excessive charges or inflated bills at some food establishments in Bacalar pose a risk to the town’s reputation as the top tourist destination in southern Quintana Roo.
Gomez Coyoc, a representative of the local business sector, said that while such cases do not represent the majority of establishments, they create a negative perception among domestic and international visitors, who often share their experiences on social media and digital platforms, potentially damaging the destination’s image.
He explained that unfair commercial practices could undermine years of work building Bacalar’s reputation.
“Tourists seek satisfying and transparent experiences,” Gomez Coyoc said. “Finding inflated bills, unjustified charges, or prices different from those advertised causes annoyance and distrust, affecting not only the establishment involved but the entire tourist destination.”
He stressed that a dissatisfied visitor is unlikely to return to Bacalar and will share their negative experience with family, friends, or on online platforms, where reviews heavily influence future travelers’ decisions.
The business leader called for strengthening a culture of honesty and transparency among all tourism service providers, especially restaurants and food establishments, where consumers should know prices clearly before making a purchase.
He urged business owners to keep tariffs visible, honor advertised prices, and constantly train staff in customer service to avoid conflicts that could tarnish the image of the Pueblo Magico (Magical Town).
Gomez Coyoc noted that Bacalar competes with other major tourist destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula and the Mexican Caribbean, making visitor trust essential to sustaining the growth the municipality has experienced in recent years.
He added that consumer protection authorities should maintain ongoing oversight to ensure establishments comply with regulations and prevent practices that harm both consumers and responsible business owners.
