Tourism Picks Up in Playa del Carmen, But Visitors Remain Cautious

Tourists walking on Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen, with shops and palm trees in the background

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Hotel occupancy in the center of Playa del Carmen is beginning to recover as national and international tourists arrive, though visitors are “extremely attentive to spending” and numbers remain below last year’s levels, according to Andrea Lotito, vice president of the Riviera Maya Hotel Association.

In an interview, Lotito said the tourism rebound came later than usual, but some hotels in the city’s downtown core have already seen occupancy peaks of up to 50%.

“Promotional rates are still in place, and you can find rooms in three-star hotels starting at 400 pesos per person,” he commented.

Lotito noted that visitors are coming mainly from Europe, with significant numbers also from domestic travelers, South Americans, and Spanish-speaking Americans.

“The sargassum has given us a bit of a break, but the road to recovery depends on international factors and local decisions,” he said. “Now it’s time to put our house in order.”

He stressed that ensuring a good experience for visitors through quality services, excellent customer care, and safe conditions is key to consolidating the destination’s recovery and strengthening Playa del Carmen’s tourism image.

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By Laura Castillo

Laura Castillo covers tourism, business, and economic development across Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the wider Riviera Maya for Riviera Maya News & Events. She tracks the region's most important business stories — from hotel investments and airline route expansions to real estate market trends and local economic policy — helping English-speaking readers stay informed about the economic pulse of Mexico's Caribbean coast.Laura has been reporting on Quintana Roo's tourism sector since 2020, closely monitoring developments in Cancun's hotel zone, Tulum's rapidly growing commercial corridor, and the evolving business landscape in Playa del Carmen. Her coverage includes corporate investments, employment trends, infrastructure projects, and the economic impact of events like sargassum seasons and hurricane preparation.Before joining Riviera Maya News & Events, Laura worked in business development and market analysis in the Riviera Maya region, giving her first-hand insight into how tourism, real estate, and local commerce intersect. She is fluent in English and Spanish.For story tips: laura@rivieramayanews.mx