Fuel Price Hike Drives Up Airfares, Threatens Domestic Tourism in Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo — Rising fuel prices have led to higher airfares, threatening to further reduce domestic tourism in the Riviera Maya this summer, according to the president of the Riviera Maya Hotel Association, Toni Chávez Palomo.

Chávez said that while there are high expectations for the World Cup, external factors could complicate traveler flows, especially in the domestic market, which is the main concern. Booking levels for the summer are currently 15% lower than the same period in 2025.

“Mexico is a country where airline tickets are among the most expensive in the world. Flying domestically is very costly, and if you add the increase in oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, airlines have no choice but to adjust their fares, which further complicates the national market,” Chávez said.

He noted that a family of four could spend up to 30,000 pesos (about $1,500) just on airfare, not including accommodation or activities, putting significant financial pressure on domestic travelers who may choose not to travel or opt for closer destinations.

Although it is still early to define summer expectations, the booking trend is downward. However, Chávez expressed confidence that Mexican travelers often plan last-minute trips, which could present an opportunity.

“What remains is to hope that by summer the conflict in the Middle East will have ended and oil prices will return to normal levels,” he stressed.