Tourism Businesses in Tulum Accuse State Police of Harassment and Extortion

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Tourism business owners and service providers in Tulum have raised alarm over what they describe as persistent harassment by state police officers targeting both domestic and international visitors along the Tulum-Cobá highway. The situation, they say, is damaging the destination’s image during an already difficult period for the tourism industry.

According to multiple accounts gathered from members of the tourism sector, state police officers are reportedly carrying out duties that fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of traffic authorities, conducting vehicle inspections and detentions that end up irritating visitors. The complainants said these actions create a negative perception of Tulum and generate uncertainty among those arriving at the destination.

Business owners stated that despite repeated complaints and reports made in recent months, the allegedly irregular practices continue to occur at various points in the municipality. Some tourists have even reported being subjected to alleged extortion during these operations, a situation they consider especially serious given the economic and tourism crisis the sector currently faces.

In response, they called on Mayor Diego Castañón Trejo to intervene and coordinate with state authorities to review the conduct of the officers involved. They stressed the need to guarantee legal certainty and safety for visitors, avoiding any behavior that could be interpreted as abuse of authority or that could harm Tulum’s tourism reputation.

Industry representatives warned that the destination’s economic recovery depends largely on building trust with tourists, and urged immediate attention to these complaints and the establishment of oversight and transparency mechanisms to eliminate any practices that harm both visitors and the local tourism industry.