Tulum, Quintana Roo — The 45th anniversary of Tulum National Park was overshadowed by a protest from service providers who say their livelihoods have been hit hard by new access fees and restrictions.
Members of the Playas Libres collective held a peaceful demonstration at the Parque del Jaguar, where waiters, artisans, vendors and tour operators reported income drops of up to 70% in recent months.
The protesters blame the decline in visitor numbers on higher entry costs, new payment schemes and other measures implemented by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp). They argue that while low seasons are normal, the current downturn is far more severe than usual.
Some businesses also complained they must pay quotas or percentages to operate inside the park, further squeezing their profits in an already difficult environment.
The demonstrators called for a review of the rules, saying there is no balance between conservation and the economic activity that supports hundreds of families along the coast.
“The message in Tulum on its anniversary is clear: environmental protection is moving forward, but the local economy is being left behind,” the collective said.
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