Tulum Merchants Plan Discounts to Shed ‘Expensive Destination’ Image, Canaco Says

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Acknowledging that Tulum is not in its best condition, the local chapter of the National Chamber of Commerce (Canaco) is pushing strategies to boost tourist arrivals and improve the destination’s image, including discounts and special offers.

Felipe Náhuatl Chimal, president of Canaco’s Tulum delegation, said that after Holy Week and reports of low hotel occupancy, recovery has been gradual. “We are not stagnant; little by little we have seen recovery, and occupancy is at 50 percent,” he said.

“We held a forum where we discussed strategies to improve the destination’s image, how to improve tourist service and optimize all services so that, little by little, the situation improves,” he added.

Náhuatl noted that in the month since he took office, no businesses have closed, and the membership roster remains at 50 establishments. “We haven’t heard of any facing economic problems either,” he said.

He highlighted that at least six new businesses have joined the chamber during that period.

Responding to criticism that Tulum is an expensive destination, Náhuatl said they are promoting strategies to adjust prices through offers at restaurants and affordable eateries affiliated with Canaco.

On security concerns, the business leader said it is not his place to take a position and that he has not received complaints about extortion or protection payments. “It’s not my place to talk about security, but so far I haven’t received any complaints from members; these are things they don’t comment on,” he said.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that Tulum is not at its best. “We are not in the best conditions, but we are working to improve,” he concluded.