Tulum Taxi Drivers Hit Hard by Tourism Slump

Tulum, Quintana Roo — The summer vacation season has failed to deliver the expected boost for Tulum’s taxi sector, with operators reporting one of the worst economic crises in recent years due to low tourist arrivals.

The drop in tourism activity has also affected other sectors in the municipality, where closed businesses and properties with rental or sale signs are increasingly visible.

Graciliano Camal Chek, known as “Sixto” and a taxi driver for 32 years, said he has never faced a situation like this. He explained that although this season used to be a period of high demand, the streets now show little activity, and drivers spend long hours without getting fares.

The operator said the crisis has led to hundreds of concessions remaining out of service, as owners prefer to halt operations due to a lack of income to cover expenses such as fuel, payments, and plate rentals.

Sixto cited several factors that may be contributing to the tourism decline, including the impact of sargassum seaweed, restrictions related to the Jaguar Park, and other issues linked to the destination’s activity. He emphasized that the effect is evident in the reduced number of visitors and the economy of workers and merchants.

Ahead of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s upcoming visit to Tulum, the taxi driver called for strategies to revive tourism and commercial activity in the municipality.

“We need actions that encourage the arrival of visitors,” he said, noting that some areas of the city currently show little economic movement and reflect the difficult situation facing service providers.