Playa del Carmen Small Hotels See Feria del Carmen Boost

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Small hotels in downtown Playa del Carmen, particularly those in the Casco Viejo district, reported a moderate increase in occupancy over the past week, driven by concerts and cultural events held during the 2025 Feria del Carmen.

Cultural Events Boost Occupancy

Andrea Lotito, vice president of the Riviera Maya Hotel Association (AHRM), representing small hotel operators, confirmed that the uptick was most noticeable in establishments near the venues hosting large-scale events. The school calendar and favorable weather conditions also contributed to an influx of domestic tourists, providing a slight boost to local tourism activity.

Despite the improvement, Lotito noted that uncertainty over the past three months has prevented hotels from raising rates to pre-season levels. As a result, business owners have opted to maintain lower prices to attract guests and cover operational costs.

“The uncertainty of the last three months does not allow us to increase rates to previous seasonal levels, so business owners have decided to prioritize higher occupancy with lower margins, hoping to manage expenses,” Lotito explained.

Cautious Outlook Amid Ongoing Challenges

While the recent uptick is encouraging, overall occupancy remains insufficient to signal a sustained recovery for the sector. The current strategy focuses on maintaining minimal operational cash flow amid volatile demand.

Lotito also highlighted an upcoming renovation project on Avenida 10, a key tourist thoroughfare in the city. Authorities have assured that the project will be closely monitored to minimize disruptions to local businesses, particularly in the downtown area. Hoteliers have emphasized the need for efficient and well-coordinated construction to avoid further strain on a sector still recovering from low demand in the first half of the year.

The Casco Viejo district has been particularly sensitive to shifts in tourism trends, and its recovery will depend on stable occupancy, favorable weather conditions, and effective urban infrastructure management.