Dark Side of Mexico’s Tourist Hotspots: Trafficking Crisis

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of minors persist in Quintana Roo’s tourist destinations despite institutional and hotel industry efforts to combat the issue. The state, renowned for its beaches and nightlife, has also become a hotspot for predators exploiting vulnerable individuals, including children.

Private Yachts Used as a Gateway for Exploitation

Fernando Viveros, program coordinator for ECPAT Mexico (an international organization against child prostitution and trafficking), warned that the rental of private yachts in the Mexican Caribbean has become a conduit for commercial sexual exploitation of individuals of all ages.

A Human Rights Crisis in Mexico’s Tourist Heartland

Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum remain critical zones for crimes such as human trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of minors. Viveros emphasized that these offenses occur with alarming frequency, placing Quintana Roo among the states with the highest incidence nationwide.

“Many of the sexual predators come from the United States and Europe, but the victims are not always local; often, they are trafficked from other regions,” he explained.

Minors as Primary Victims

Since 2018, an estimated 30 to 40 percent of sexually exploited individuals are under 18. While the growth of the problem has slowed, levels remain concerning, particularly in 2025, with the increased use of the internet to recruit and exploit victims. Social media, dating apps, content-selling platforms, and even OnlyFans have been used to market sexual “packages” or directly offer children for exploitation.

Disappearances Linked to Trafficking Networks

Another alarming trend is the disappearances of young women, particularly adolescents aged 15 to 19, followed by minors between 10 and 14. Many are lured into trafficking networks. From 2023 to March 2025, the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes Against Sexual Freedom and Personal Development documented victims ranging from one year old to 17, with forced prostitution being the primary crime.

Institutional Efforts to Address the Crisis

Despite the severity of the issue, Viveros acknowledged progress: “Quintana Roo is not only one of the states with the highest rates of these crimes but also one of the most proactive in combating them.” Awareness campaigns, funded strategies, and municipal measures have been implemented to prevent trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Rodrigo de la Peña, president of the Cancún, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres Hotel Association, reported that lodging establishments have adopted preventive measures and reporting protocols. Additionally, in collaboration with ECPAT, training will be provided for security and reception staff.

Tourism Sector Takes Action

Bernardo Cueto Riestra, Quintana Roo’s Secretary of Tourism, noted that over 9,000 service providers in the state have been trained.

“We now have a Tourism Law requiring proof of minors’ familial ties when accompanied by adults. Furthermore, Quintana Roo leads the nation in certifications under the National Code of Conduct,” he stated.

The law’s regulations, already enforceable, are pending publication and will apply even to vacation rentals. Authorities are in ongoing discussions with tourism service providers, including digital platform hosts, to ensure compliance.

Over 600 Victims Rescued in Operations

According to the Quintana Roo Prosecutor’s Office, 615 trafficking victims were rescued between 2023 and March 2025. Among them, 155 were foreign nationals—from Colombia, Cuba, Venezuela, and Argentina—and 88 were minors, including 38 girls and 50 boys.

The state continues to grapple with this dark underbelly of its tourism industry, even as officials and businesses intensify efforts to eradicate exploitation.