FONATUR Cancels Cancún Business Ventures amid Transition

The National Fund for Tourism Development (FONATUR) seems to be turning a deaf ear to the promises made by Claudia Sheinbaum, the elected president, to entrepreneurs. The establishment of the Trust for the Strengthening of Tourist Activity in the State of Quintana Roo (Foatqroo) hasn't been entirely smooth sailing.

The organization, which is set to replace FONATUR amid a six-year transition, is facing resistance. This is particularly true for projects that contribute significantly to tourism and public safety. Quintana Roo, along with other states on the Yucatan Peninsula, plays a crucial role in implementing one of the administration's key projects: the Maya Train.

It's no surprise that all projects related to this landmark infrastructure must be prioritized. For instance, Walkins Box Shops has a contract with FONATUR to install 20 mobile modules throughout Cancún's hotel zone. These modules will provide various digital services to users, including anti-fraud tourist information and ticket sales for the Maya Train. This initiative aligns with the goal of making public transportation more accessible to both Mexican citizens and tourists worldwide.

The project also prioritizes safety, with 80 cameras connected to the C5 security system. However, there appears to be some opposition.

A memorandum dated July 17, 2024, signed by Raúl Zambrano, FONATUR's Director of Commercialization, responded to the company's inquiry about the contract's legality. He specified the locations to be occupied and clarified that the concession is separate from the Trust recently signed with SEFIPLAN Q. Roo.

Yet, just a few weeks later, a memo dated August 6 abruptly rescinded the contract. The reason given was that the areas designated for the Walkins Box Shop modules had already been allocated, contradicting the previous approval.

It seems there may be other reasons for rejecting the project. It's crucial that Lyndia Quiroz Zavala, the director of FONATUR, is made aware of this and other issues arising during the transition to Foatqroo.