Cozumel to Open Tourist Info Booths in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — The Cozumel City Council is pursuing the installation of two tourist information modules on Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue. The initiative aims to improve the tourist experience and prevent deceptive advertising by commission agents operating at the ferry terminal and other locations who offer tours that fail to meet promises made to tourists, thereby damaging Cozumel's image.

This was stated by Elías Farah Che, the municipal Subdirector of Tourism, who explained that the modules would provide correct, first-hand information to vacationers staying in Playa del Carmen who wish to travel to the island.

He noted that an initial meeting has already taken place between the two mayors, José Luis Chacón of Cozumel and Estefanía Mercado of Playa del Carmen, and there is an intention to permit the installation of these modules.

The move comes in response to cases where tourists purchase a tour or rent a car from a commission agent before crossing to Cozumel, only to find the service does not match what they contracted. This generates problems for the tourist and harms the destination's image due to breaches of contract in tourist services.

Integrated and Verified Information

Through this alliance, information integrated within Quintana Roo’s State Registry of Tourism (RETUR-Q) would be offered. This registry contains listings for establishments that possess all required permits, along with the services they offer and even their costs, providing tourists with details on who to contract with to avoid mishaps.

In parallel with these actions, the initiative seeks to create synergy between the two CAPTA modules—those in Playa del Carmen and those in Cozumel. This would allow for the management of complaints stemming from non-compliance by tourist service providers and offer alternatives to tourists to resolve the situations they are facing.

Aiming for an Enhanced Visitor Experience

Finally, Farah Che stated that the objective is to offer a better experience to the tourist. This can be strengthened by putting the proper tools in the hands of visitors, allowing them to contract adequate, current, real, and well-established services, ultimately resulting in a better image for Cozumel.