Sheinbaum: Tulum Beach Restrictions Are Illegal

Mexico City — President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned as illegal the restrictions on beach access in Tulum implemented by Mayor Diego Castañón and local business owners. She warned that beaches must be freely accessible and not limited to those with financial means.

The president characterized as unlawful the practice of restaurateurs and hoteliers on Tulum's beaches controlling and denying passage, to the detriment of both local residents and tourists, regardless of their nationality. During a press conference this Thursday, Sheinbaum stated that the Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, is already addressing the situation in Tulum, which appears to be an attempt at beach privatization and a reduction of access through the Jaguar Park.

"I asked the Secretary of Tourism to address the issue in Tulum, because on one hand, you have hoteliers preventing access to the beaches, which is illegal, or controlling access to the beaches, and on the other hand, there is the issue of the Jaguar Park, which protects the archaeological zone but at the same time left a smaller space for beach access," Sheinbaum said.

She announced that Secretary Rodríguez Zamora will present a report next week on the agreements reached, noting that legislation was recently passed to prohibit fees or restrictions on the country's beaches.

Conditions for Entering Tulum's Beaches

Amid a decline in tourist arrivals, Mayor Diego Castañón attempted to implement a free beach access program, but the initiative generated controversy and discontent.

The mayor announced that tourists could access the beaches through local establishments under certain conditions that favor business owners. Castañón explained that it was prohibited to bring in food, drinks, coolers, or umbrellas, and that visitors were required to consume at the businesses to enjoy the space.

"Obviously, all national and international tourists can come visit us at no cost, but they cannot come with food. If they want to consume, they have to consume here," he said in a video published on his social media.

However, the lower influx of tourists in Tulum could also be related to high costs of lodging, food, recreational activities, and transportation. The latter issue involves an ongoing conflict between Uber drivers and local taxi drivers, which causes annoyance among visitors.