Cozumel Tourism Crisis Deepens as Ferry Costs Soar, Local Leader Warns

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — A representative of holders of the Caleta maritime reserve has sounded the alarm over a deepening tourism crisis on the island, blaming high ferry costs and a lack of effective representation for local businesses.

Fernan Salazar Medina, who speaks for the concession holders of the Caleta maritime shelter, said tourist numbers have been “very low and irregular” this season. He noted that the island’s economy depends heavily on cruise passengers and day-trippers from the Riviera Maya, but the steep price of ferry tickets from Playa del Carmen is driving visitors away.

“People arrive at the ticket booth and see prices over 400 pesos — that’s hurting us,” Salazar said.

He criticized local officials for failing to address the problem, accusing council members, trustees, and legislators of collecting high salaries while ignoring the plight of unemployed families.

“We have a tremendous lack of social representation,” he said. “Our councilors, trustees, and deputies are just collecting big salaries and not addressing the serious problem of poor families without work.”

Salazar warned that monopolies in the ferry industry and corruption are squeezing out local micro-entrepreneurs who are trying to survive without government handouts.

“Monopolies are growing, corruption is growing, and people who want to work with dignity are being pushed aside,” he said, adding that the situation has led to family breakdowns and a lack of opportunities for thousands of Cozumel residents who remain jobless.

On tourism promotion, Salazar said efforts are focused on benefiting powerful groups and concessionaires, leaving ordinary residents behind.

“Promotion is for that protected circle, while the people get only bread and circuses,” he said, accusing authorities of failing to attract more tourists for maritime workers and instead handing the industry to million-dollar corporations that do not care for the island.

Salazar called on citizens to speak out and demand solutions, warning that the island faces a serious problem that can no longer be ignored.

“Cozumel is in serious trouble, and whoever doesn’t want to open their eyes, don’t, but those who hear this must react,” he concluded.