Unregulated Vacation Rentals Pose Major Risk for Child Sex Trafficking in Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Unregulated vacation rentals in Quintana Roo represent a major risk for child sex trafficking and exploitation, with approximately 80,000 units operating without formal oversight, according to tourism industry officials.

Ana Kiseleva, vice president of the Association of Vacation and Tourist Complexes (Acotur) in Quintana Roo, called the situation a “red flag” and urged authorities to include these rentals in tourism regulations that combat human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.

Kiseleva explained that the more than 50,000 hotel rooms affiliated with her association must verify the family relationship between minors and accompanying adults under official supervision. This requirement does not apply to temporary accommodations offered through digital platforms.

The General Tourism Law establishes new responsibilities for service providers in the sector, including implementing preventive protocols to detect potential crimes against children and adolescents in both physical facilities and digital environments. It also requires validating documentation proving family ties, custody, or guardianship for adults traveling with minors. If the relationship cannot be verified, providers must deny lodging and notify authorities.

Nationally, human trafficking cases increased 45% from 794 in 2024 to 1,150 in 2025, averaging 96 victims per month, according to data from the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP).

In 2025, Quintana Roo accounted for 50% of trafficking victims nationwide, followed by the State of Mexico with 11% and Mexico City with 7%.

Despite this situation, tourism authorities in Quintana Roo have focused on formalizing the establishment of a Working and Monitoring Table for the Protocol for the Protection of Children and Adolescents in the Travel and Tourism Sector, relying on the “good will” of industry members.

The Network for Children’s Rights in Mexico (Redim) warned that child trafficking in Quintana Roo has become one of the country’s most serious problems, according to its annual report. The report states that children and adolescents face contexts of organized crime violence, economic precariousness, and internal migration in urban and tourist destinations.

From January to November, authorities counted 187 affected people in Quintana Roo, including 51 underage women. The state rate reached 17.9 cases per 100,000 females, compared to a national average of 0.74.

The National Registry reported 376 people disappeared in Quintana Roo in 2025, with one in five under 19 years old. Authorities also opened 150 investigation files for corruption of minors.

In the 10-14 age range, 19 adolescents disappeared, while the 15-19 group documented 24 cases.

Redim also warned that Quintana Roo is among states where minors are criminalized and persecuted for occupying public spaces. Municipalities like Benito Juárez, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos concentrate high tourist pressure and criminal activity. In these environments, protection mechanisms have failed to stop dynamics of sexual and labor exploitation.

According to the National Occupation and Employment Survey (ENOE) from INEGI (national statistics agency), the 15-25 age group represents 41% of the unemployed population in Quintana Roo, equivalent to 5,685 jobless youth. Benito Juárez and Othón P. Blanco concentrate the highest number of cases.

False job offers operate as recruitment mechanisms, while the State Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that criminal networks use social media and video games to recruit adolescents and young people.