Background on Cancún’s Tourism and the Current Situation
Cancún, Quintana Roo, is experiencing a low tourism season that has led to the temporary closure of approximately 4,000 hotel rooms for remodeling purposes. This move aims to refresh facilities before the high winter season.
Key Areas Affected by Room Closures
The closures include:
- 3,109 rooms in Cancún’s main tourist area
- 296 rooms in Cancún’s downtown sector
- 143 rooms in Puerto Morelos
- 424 rooms on the continental part of Isla Mujeres
Government and Hotel Association Perspectives
Bernardo Cueto Riestra, the Secretary of Tourism for Quintana Roo, previously mentioned that hotels would take advantage of the low season to remodel their facilities for the upcoming winter high season, as lower occupancy rates allow them to temporarily close certain areas for renovation.
Rodrigo de la Peña, President of the Hotel Association of Cancún and Puerto Morelos (AHCPMIM), denied promoting labor policies such as “solidarity breaks” or “forced vacations without pay.” However, he acknowledged that each hotel must decide how to manage their workforce during the approximately two-month low season.
Impact on Tourism and Employment
The current low season has shown a more challenging situation compared to the previous year, with occupancy rates lower across various sectors:
- During the Independence Day weekend, Cancún’s hotel zone had 59.4% occupancy; the city center was at 39.5%; Puerto Morelos reached 44.6%; and Isla Mujeres’ continental area had 60.1%.
- From September 1 to 16, the hotel zone’s occupancy is at least two percentage points lower than the same period last year.
- Cancún’s downtown hotels are 10 points below last year’s occupancy.
- Puerto Morelos is down by 4 percentage points, and Isla Mujeres’ continental area is down nearly 3 percentage points.
Airport Operations During Low Season
The Cancún International Airport also experienced its worst days during the Independence Day weekend, with 347 operations on September 16 and a decrease to 341 the following day.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main reason for the room closures? Hotels are taking advantage of the low season to remodel and refresh their facilities for the upcoming high winter season.
- How many rooms are affected by these closures? Approximately 4,000 rooms across Cancún, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres are temporarily closed for renovations.
- What is the current occupancy situation in Cancún’s hotel zone? Occupancy rates are lower compared to the same period last year, with Cancún’s hotel zone being at least two percentage points down.
- How is the Cancún International Airport performing during this low season? The airport experienced its worst days during the Independence Day weekend, with a decrease in operations.
