Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Carnival season has brought a slight uptick in tour sales on the island, primarily through digital platforms, but tourism officials are warning visitors about potential fraud and deceptive practices targeting tourists before they even arrive.
Rogelio Chan, a tourism commissioner for the sector, said that during peak seasons like Carnival, advance bookings for excursions, vehicle rentals, and hotel reservations increase significantly. However, some visitors have reported being approached in Playa del Carmen by individuals offering tours, cars, or accommodations at attractive prices, requesting cash deposits or bank transfers.
“When they arrive in Cozumel, they realize the service isn’t what was promised, or the final price turns out to be higher,” Chan explained.
He noted that while no formal cases of internet-based scams originating directly from Cozumel have been documented so far, there is concern about irregular practices that could damage the destination’s reputation. Chan recommended that tourists book services directly on the island or through verified official websites, which allows them to address any issues in person.
Tour operators agreed that approximately 65% of current reservations are made through digital channels, a trend that has transformed the sector’s commercial dynamics. Previously, most sales occurred at physical kiosks or directly at the pier; today, most visitors arrive with pre-booked excursions.
However, operators warned that some websites promote excessively low prices that, when the service is used, lead to additional charges, changes to originally agreed conditions, or lack of support in case of incidents.
“Tourists should look not only at the price but at the business’s legitimacy,” said Julio, a nautical operator from the town center.
As a preventive measure, the sector recommended checking real reviews on reliable platforms like Google or TripAdvisor, verifying tax information, and confirming that companies have valid permits. They emphasized that safety, transparency, and service quality should be priority factors when choosing an excursion.
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