Hotel Association Chief: Presidential Decree for Mahahual Must Boost Development, Not Restrict Investment

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The president of the Association of Hotels of Central and Southern Quintana Roo expressed confidence that a forthcoming presidential decree for the coastal community of Mahahual will not hinder tourism and economic development, but rather provide tools to strengthen the local economy.

Raúl Andrade Angulo, head of the hotel association, said community-based tourism is a viable model for the area, but urged authorities to recognize that Mahahual is already a growing tourism hub with established services and an operating cruise pier that receives millions of visitors each year.

“Authorities must consider all these factors to provide the tools that allow for strengthening the destination — conserving the environment, but without drastically limiting the natural growth of the tourism hub,” Andrade Angulo said.

He stressed that Mahahual needs improved basic services and tourism infrastructure to attract investment, while allowing growth in a sustainable manner. “That doesn’t mean we are against the environment; it’s the model we must pursue. It doesn’t mean building mega-hotels or mega-projects, but you do have to grow sustainably,” he added.

Andrade Angulo pointed out an inconsistency: while Bacalar permits hotel and restaurant investments, Mahahual faces restrictions. He warned that overly strict regulations could backfire. “There will always be people who do things badly. To avoid overregulation, we need to create mechanisms that allow growth, that set the rules for how to grow, but permit that investment — not just say no to everything. Otherwise, people will keep doing it, but badly, when there is no guidance,” he said.

He noted that both Mahahual and Bacalar already have areas impacted by development, and authorities must include economic sectors and local residents in designing mechanisms for environmental care and destination cleanup. “Otherwise, what’s the point of having tourist attractions?” he asked.

Finally, Andrade Angulo said media pressure often forces authorities to focus on large investments, as happened with the Perfect Day project. “That’s why working groups are important — to avoid overregulation and to chart routes to address these issues and find solutions,” he concluded.