Sargassum Crisis Threatens Riviera Maya Tourism, Business Group Warns

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The president of the Mexican Association of Businesswomen (AMEXME) Riviera Maya chapter, Valeria Rindertsma, has called for a natural disaster declaration due to the atypical sargassum influx affecting the region’s beaches, warning that the seaweed is already hurting tourism and the local economy.

Rindertsma said the sector faces a difficult outlook because of declining visitor numbers, a trend worsened by the persistent presence of the macroalgae in destinations such as Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

She explained that excess sargassum on beaches has led to cancellations and reduced demand for products and services, directly impacting shops, service providers, and tourism-related businesses.

Playa del Carmen and Tulum hardest hit

Rindertsma noted that the first half of the year ended with negative figures for many businesses. Although summer usually brings more travelers, she said the uptick may not be enough to offset the sales slump that began last year.

“There is a combination of factors affecting the sector, but sargassum has become an element that discourages tourists from coming,” she said.

She detailed that Playa del Carmen and Tulum are among the most affected areas, as beach conditions directly influence visitor experience. Lower tourist numbers also mean less revenue for local businesses.

The AMEXME Riviera Maya president emphasized that the impact extends beyond hotels to restaurants, shops, tourism services, and small enterprises that depend on visitor spending.

AMEXME proposes action against macroalgae

The association has submitted a project to the Playa del Carmen municipal government with specific measures to address the sargassum problem. Rindertsma said the proposal will be made public once it has been reviewed and possibly approved.

She reiterated the need for coordinated strategies among authorities, the private sector, and society to mitigate the effects of the massive seaweed influx and protect the Riviera Maya’s main economic driver.