Tulum’s New Beach Rules Spark Tourist Backlash

Tulum, Mexico — The municipality of Tulum has introduced a new program for free beach access alongside a revised set of rules, announced by Municipal President Diego Castañón. This move comes after the destination faced significant criticism and negative videos on social media from both national and international tourists complaining about beach access and the high costs of services and products.

The situation in Tulum escalated to the point that it reached the attention of Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum. She addressed the issue during one of her morning press conferences, stating that she had already asked the Secretary of Tourism and the Government of Quintana Roo to clarify what is happening in the municipality.

As a result of this ongoing issue, Governor Mara Lezama is scheduled to attend a meeting next Monday with the national president and the Secretary of Tourism. The purpose of the meeting is to find solutions for the decline in visitors to the Riviera Maya and to present the perspective of Tulum's own residents on the problem.

New Rules for Free Beach Access in Tulum

According to a video posted by Tulum's municipal president, Diego Castañón, to his X account on October 3, the municipality's beaches already had completely free access for all residents and tourists through various access points that have been opened in different areas.

However, this free access to Tulum's beaches has been accompanied by new rules that have not been well-received by many tourists wishing to visit the Riviera Maya. The regulations prohibit visitors from bringing external items that can be obtained from establishments near the coastline.

"If you want to consume, you have to consume here," decreed Diego Castañón.

The list of prohibited items on Tulum's beaches includes:

• Food and beverages
• Coolers
• Umbrellas
• Etc.

Diego Castañón Faces Criticism Following Announcement of New Tulum Beach Rules

After the video of Diego Castañón announcing the new rules for free beach access went viral, several tourists began commenting and giving their opinions on this new measure. Many asserted that they do not find it fair and that free access to the beaches was already guaranteed before.

In an effort to stop this dispute, many users have requested that if the new rules are applied during their visits, the local authorities should also ensure that locals do not sell goods and services at excessive costs. They argue that if this is regulated, they would gladly return to the beaches of Quintana Roo.

"And will the prices now be fair?" and "It's not that the beaches are free, that has always been the case, what we want are accessible prices," commented some tourists in the viral video.