Tulum, Quintana Roo — Business owners, merchants, and tourists in Tulum have accused local authorities of extortion, alleging that illegal fees known as “piso” (protection money) are stifling economic activity, discouraging investment, and damaging the international reputation of the Caribbean resort destination.
Representatives from the business sector said that extortion has become one of the main problems facing Tulum, alongside the ongoing sargassum seaweed crisis. According to testimonies, inspectors and verifiers frequently visit hotels, restaurants, and small businesses, looking for irregularities that later lead to demands for money to avoid penalties. Business owners said they fear reporting the abuses due to potential retaliation.
“They are practically killing Tulum… now you have to pay protection money to the authorities,” one business leader said.
In one documented case, a British couple named Steve and Claudia said they were victims of extortion during their vacation. After drinking two beers, they were stopped at a traffic checkpoint and given a breathalyzer test. Although they claim the result was below the legal limit under Tulum’s traffic regulations, officers told them they would have to pay 21,000 pesos (about $1,100) to avoid detention. The couple said they paid via electronic transfer but never received an official receipt. They said they would not return to Tulum and would not recommend it to others.
Tulum Mayor Diego Castañón previously acknowledged allegations of extortion by public servants. During a press conference on June 23, he said two officials would be removed from their posts as part of an investigation. He also pledged to address practices within the traffic department.
Business owners continue to call for greater oversight of inspections, transparency in verification processes, and actions to restore confidence among investors, merchants, and visitors. The allegations come at a difficult time for Tulum, as declining tourism, sargassum, and corruption accusations pose new challenges for one of Mexico’s most important Caribbean destinations.
