Isla Mujeres Tourism Brokers Accuse Officials of Allowing Unfair Competition

Isla Mujeres, Mexico — Authorized tourism brokers in Isla Mujeres have accused the local Tourism Office of violating their exclusive operating agreement by allowing ferry companies and cooperatives to steer visitors to specific businesses, creating what they call unfair competition.

The 25 licensed brokers, who have operated on the island’s waterfront for over three decades under municipal agreements, say officials are ignoring a signed commitment letter that prohibits anyone else from conducting their activities. They allege that ferry operators and cooperatives engage in monopolistic practices by directing tourist groups to particular establishments, a violation of the Tourist Service Regulations.

Businessmen Luis Larios and Hugo Enríquez have called for strict enforcement of the regulations and effective supervision to ensure compliance with the brokers’ agreement. These permits require periodic renewal and mandate accreditation through commercial best practices and visitor service training courses.

“There’s a clear lack of institutional will to solve this historic problem,” said Larios. “The former Federal Economic Competition Commission issued a ruling years ago to address the monopoly exercised by ferry companies together with certain businesses, and recommended adjustments to the current regulations. These resolutions haven’t been implemented 17 years later.”

Larios recommended that those affected by these irregularities now approach the National Antimonopoly Commission, which began operations last year following the dissolution of the Federal Economic Competition Commission. The goal would be to confirm or update the previous ruling that determined several ferry companies were engaging in monopolistic practices with specific businesses.

The brokers, whose activity was formalized in 1993, help tourists access services like golf cart rentals, diving, boat tours, shopping, and general orientation. In return, they receive approximately a 10% commission.

Service providers also reported the arrival of outside vendors to the island, some of whom they say may be involved in alleged credit card fraud in association with jewelry stores, craft shops, and other workers. They blamed certain partners of the “Isla Bonita” and “Isla Mujeres” maritime recreation cooperatives for hiring people who engage in bad business practices, including wearing distinctive shirts without proper accreditation—suggesting uniform cloning with apparent tolerance from Tourism Office officials.