Cancun Hotel Association Rules Out Emergency Declaration Over Sargassum

Cancun, Quintana Roo — The president of the Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres Hotel Association ruled out requesting an emergency declaration over sargassum, a proposal made by hoteliers in the Riviera Maya, but said the group is working with the state government to define projects and secure funding to address the seaweed influx.

Rodrigo de la Peña Segura said he had no data on the emergency declaration request from his Riviera Maya counterparts, who face heavier sargassum arrivals. However, he confirmed they are collaborating with state authorities to develop proposals to tackle the phenomenon.

“We are analyzing together with the government so that proposals are defined in order to have funds and the project,” de la Peña said.

He stressed that the hotel association he leads will not seek an emergency declaration — at least not for now — though they will join state government efforts to secure resources for combating the macroalgae.

“Requesting an emergency declaration as such is not something we have contemplated up to now,” he insisted.

So far this year, more than 63,000 tons of sargassum have washed ashore on Quintana Roo’s coasts, severely affecting tourism, particularly in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, where the largest accumulations have occurred.