Quintana Roo Restaurants Miss Economic Boost During Day of the Dead

Cancún, Mexico — The economic upswing anticipated by restaurateurs in Quintana Roo did not materialize during the Day of the Dead celebrations, with the majority maintaining an occupancy rate of only 75 percent.

Julio Villarreal Zapata, president of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (Canirac) in Cancún and Quintana Roo, stated that this continues to prolong the difficult economic situation the industry has faced since the beginning of the year. He estimated that adverse factors, such as the prolonged effects of the pandemic and fluctuations in tourist flow, have influenced the low economic spillover.

He pointed out that despite many restaurateurs offering various special packages for the holidays, diners "did not respond" favorably.

"We will keep insisting. We restaurateurs are stubborn. So, one way or another, we are going to find a way out," he added.

He maintained that the months of September and October were the most difficult, as the low demand directly affected restaurateurs.

Finally, Villarreal Zapata said that with the arrival of the December season, restaurateurs are hopeful that an improvement in the situation will now occur, leading them to at least reach an 85 percent occupancy rate.