Cozumel Hotels Seek Fair Competition from Vacation Rentals

Cozumel, Mexico — Members of the Cozumel Hotel Association (AHCZM) have requested that 2026 see progress in regulating digital accommodation platforms, whose operation represents economic losses for the formal sector. Hoteliers argue that these platforms generate unfair competition, as they are not subject to the same regulations nor do they pay taxes and fees that traditional establishments comply with.

The manager of AHCZM, Isela Valenzuela Jiménez, explained that the hotel industry is constantly affected by not having a “level playing field,” given that while hotels contribute resources to the Environmental Sanitation Right (DSA), the Lodging Tax, and federal, state, and municipal contributions, vacation rentals do not make equivalent contributions. Although she acknowledged that authorities have begun reviewing the issue to establish payment mechanisms, the number of condominiums and spaces designated for rentals on the island continues to increase.

Digital platforms generate unfair competition, warns AHCZM. One of the most evident indicators of this impact is the decrease in hotel occupancy during international sporting events, as in previous years, host hotels managed to fill up thanks to investment in promotion to receive competitors. However, currently, there is a 10 percent decline, with participants opting to stay in popular neighborhoods where service conditions are not equivalent and occupants themselves must handle cleaning or hire external services.

The hoteliers’ request is clear: that vacation rentals have the same tax considerations as hotels, including payment of taxes and fees destined for tourism promotion and environmental sanitation. They assert that this would ensure fair competition and strengthen the investment capacity in promoting Cozumel as an international tourist destination.

The call seeks to make 2026 a year of progress in regulating these platforms, to prevent the lack of regulations from continuing to affect a sector that directly contributes to economic development and the promotion of the island.