Playa del Carmen Restaurants See December Surge, Eye 2026 Growth

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — The restaurant sector in Playa del Carmen reported a positive close during December, driven by the year-end holiday season, an increase in tourist arrivals, and greater economic spending in the city.

According to Roberto Lepe, president of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (Canirac) in Playa del Carmen, a sustained increase in diner traffic was recorded starting December 15, with significant peaks on the 24th and 31st, considered the strongest days of the month.

The leader noted that, although the high season did not reach the levels of previous years, the overall balance was better than expected, with constant activity in restaurants in the city center, Fifth Avenue, and tourist areas of the destination.

Regarding menu prices, Lepe explained that adjustments are indeed anticipated, though gradual and aligned with inflation, ruling out abrupt increases that could affect the destination’s competitiveness.

“The increases being considered are gradual and respond primarily to the inflationary context,” he stated, while emphasizing that the sector seeks to maintain accessible prices for national and international visitors.

Regarding the sector’s dynamism, Canirac reports a favorable balance in restaurant openings and closures, with more new establishments in operation, especially looking ahead to the start of 2026.

While acknowledging relevant closures during the year, mainly on Fifth Avenue, he highlighted that there are already new openings and other projects scheduled, reflecting business confidence in the destination.

Looking ahead to 2026, the restaurant sector maintains positive expectations, particularly due to the increase in international tourism and the projection Mexico will have with the Soccer World Cup, an event that will once again place the Mexican Caribbean in the global spotlight.

Lepe recalled that more than 80% of international flights arriving in the country do so via Cancún, making Playa del Carmen a strategic point of passage and tourist consumption.

“We are a resilient industry and will continue working together with authorities to maintain the economic spending and employment generated by this sector,” he concluded.