Akumal, Quintana Roo — Tourism service providers in Akumal have reported one of the most irregular summer seasons in recent years, with occupancy rates falling short of expectations. Despite clean beaches free of sargassum and favorable weather conditions, tourist numbers remained low, raising concerns among the local community.
Occupancy Rates Plummet
According to local businessman Manuel "Pío" Jiménez, peak occupancy during the season barely reached 80%, and current levels have dropped to just 20%. "It wasn’t the season we hoped for. We believe the overall perception affected the destination," Jiménez explained, referencing the widespread belief that sargassum impacted the entire region, even though Akumal remained unaffected.
Jiménez noted that the decline also impacted colleagues renting apartments in the hotel zone, who described this season as one of the worst in years. With the imminent return to school, the low season is expected to begin, which, according to Jiménez, "arrived without a true high season being felt."
Call for Local Support
In response, Jiménez urged local residents to visit Akumal on weekends, emphasizing that the beaches are in excellent condition and that regional visitors could help support the struggling tourism sector.
The situation highlights broader challenges for the area’s tourism-dependent economy, as businesses brace for an extended period of reduced activity.
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