Dolphinarium Attendance Drops 10% as Foreign Tourism Slows in Mexican Caribbean

Cancun, Quintana Roo — Dolphinariums in the Mexican Caribbean have seen visitor numbers fall by roughly 10% year-on-year, driven by a drop in international tourism that is rippling through the region’s ancillary activities.

Rodrigo Constandse Cordova, CEO of Delphinus, said the industry is still analyzing the exact causes, pointing to a mix of factors ranging from hotel business models to macroeconomic conditions. “I don’t know if it’s because more hotels are including more activities in their packages, or tourists are afraid to leave their resorts,” he said.

Constandse noted that destinations such as Playa Mujeres and Puerto Morelos are increasingly keeping tourists inside their resorts.

Economic Factors and the ‘World Cup Effect’

The situation is compounded by economic uncertainty in the United States and an exchange rate that weakens the dollar’s purchasing power. The outlook for the summer is cautious due to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Unlike host cities such as Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, Quintana Roo does not expect a major boost from the tournament. “A large part of fans’ spending will be concentrated in the host cities,” Constandse said, citing projections from Cancun International Airport.

Strategies to Counter the Slowdown

To counter the trend, tourism recreation companies are adjusting their sales models. The main focus will be on repeat visitors, who account for 50% of those returning to the state.

“This is a key segment to start creating new products and services,” Constandse said, urging the sector to strengthen the competitiveness of activities outside hotels.