Cozumel Seeks Flight Return to Boost Tourism

Cozumel, Mexico — The business sector in Cozumel has expressed deep concern over what they describe as one of the most challenging low tourism seasons in recent years. In response, they have requested the reopening of negotiations to recover national and international flights as a measure to mitigate the economic impacts affecting both local commerce and the community at large.

Eduardo Morales Rivas, President of the National Chamber of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (CANACO ServyTur) in Cozumel, stated that the loss of direct flights, such as the one from Guadalajara, has had repercussions for the island's connectivity. He indicated that this flight frequency was redirected to the Tulum International Airport, which has not registered the expected occupancy, opening the possibility for its return to Cozumel to be reconsidered.

Morales Rivas emphasized that the decrease in tourist numbers is related to the relocation of air routes to destinations that, in some cases, have not shown positive results. He therefore insisted on the necessity of recovering air connectivity as a measure to reactivate the local economy. CANACO ServyTur warns that the low tourist influx is affecting the profitability of local commerce.

Regarding the low season, he mentioned that although a slight uptick in visitor arrivals has been observed, occupancy levels remain low compared to previous years. During the most critical period, some establishments reported occupancy rates as low as 30 percent, generating uncertainty about the possibility of closing the year with favorable figures.

Furthermore, he stated that the tax burden represents another challenge for merchants, particularly due to the payment of duties and taxes on certain products, as well as services like property tax and garbage collection, which affect the profitability of those who do comply with their contributions.

Although the high season is approaching, the business sector maintains moderate expectations and hopes that new sales can be finalized to help balance the year's end.