Maya Train Hotels Struggle with Just 32% Occupancy

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Despite their strategic locations near major archaeological sites in southern Mexico, the hotels associated with the Maya Train project—operated by the Secretariat of National Defense (Defense) through the Grupo Mundo Maya—are struggling to gain traction in the tourism market. In June, average occupancy reached only 32%, and official projections estimate a 50% occupancy rate by the end of 2025. These hotels will continue to rely on federal subsidies, as they remain far from achieving financial stability, which is not expected until 2027.

Ambitious Offerings, Limited Results

The seven operational hotels, categorized as three- and four-star properties, offer a combined 1,170 rooms in key locations such as Tulum, Palenque, Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Edzná, Calakmul, and Tulum International Airport. However, performance has been disappointing. In December 2024—peak tourist season—only 1,229 guests were recorded across five operational hotels, despite a combined capacity for over 2,500 guests.

Business Leaders Call for Effective Promotion Strategies

Industry leaders have expressed concern over the low occupancy rates. Lenin Amaro Betancourt, Southeast Coordinator of the National Association of Regional Business Councils (ANCER), noted that while the hotels have strong infrastructure, they lack adequate promotion and commercial partnerships.

“They should focus on attracting alternative and adventure tourism due to their proximity to archaeological sites, cenotes, and rural communities. There needs to be a stronger presence at tourism fairs beyond just Fitur or ITB Berlin,” Betancourt said.

Promotional Packages Fail to Compete with Private Sector

To counter low occupancy, the federal government has introduced integrated tourism packages combining flights operated by Mexicana de Aviación (from AIFA), Maya Train transfers, and stays at these hotels, with discounts of up to 25%. Reservations, available since April on platforms like Expedia, PriceTravel, BestDay, and Booking, include three- to five-night stays with transportation, lodging, meals, and guided tours.

Despite these efforts, sales remain sluggish, particularly when competing with private-sector offerings in the Mexican Caribbean. For example, in Tulum—where two of these hotels are located—the average hotel occupancy in June was 60.3%, far exceeding the 32% reported by Maya Train hotels. Private-sector all-inclusive packages, priced between 4,900 and 6,700 pesos per night, present a formidable challenge for state-operated accommodations.

The Seven Maya Train Hotels

1. Hotel Tren Maya Tulum – Located within Jaguar National Park, 2.6 km from the archaeological zone.
2. Hotel del Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum
3. Hotel Tren Maya Nuevo Uxmal, Yucatán – 8.8 km from Uxmal.
4. Hotel Tren Maya Chichén Itzá – 2.4 km from the archaeological site.
5. Hotel Tren Maya Edzná, Campeche – 1 km from the archaeological zone.
6. Hotel Tren Maya Calakmul – Near the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve.
7. Hotel Tren Maya Palenque, Chiapas – 3.5 km from the archaeological site.