Playa del Carmen, Mexico — The tourism industry anticipates a surge in visitors to the cenotes of the Riviera Maya during the upcoming summer vacation season, as massive sargassum accumulations along the coastline divert travelers from affected beaches.
Adán Toledo Lucero, president of the National Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Services (Canaco-Servytur) in Playa del Carmen, confirmed the trend in a recent interview. He emphasized that the persistent sargassum influx presents an opportunity for tour operators promoting cenote visits, archaeological excursions, and eco-parks as alternative attractions.
Shift in Tourist Preferences Amid Sargassum Challenges
Toledo Lucero noted that sargassum has been a recurring issue for over a decade, with varying intensity each year. "The outlook is looking pretty good," he said. "When the algae arrives, people tend to explore ruins, cenotes, or parks like Xel-Há and Xcaret, or visit archaeological sites such as Chichén Itzá, Cobá, and Tulum."
Despite the environmental challenge, the business leader expressed optimism about the summer season’s economic performance, citing strong demand for inland experiences.
National Campaign to Mitigate Economic Risks
In addition to addressing sargassum-related shifts, Canaco-Servytur is coordinating a nationwide initiative to counter potential economic impacts from U.S. tariffs. The campaign encourages consumers to support local businesses by purchasing Mexican-made goods, from clothing to food.
"This is to encourage people to consume local products, everything Mexican," Toledo Lucero concluded.
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