TULUM, México —The ongoing issue of high transportation fees at Tulum International Airport may soon be resolved. A new proposal to reduce these fees is expected to be approved by mid-June, potentially offering a solution in time for the busy summer season. Tourism service providers eagerly anticipate this development, as they have been struggling with the elevated costs since the airport commenced operations.
Sergio González Rubiera, president of the Mexican Association of Receptive Travel Agencies (Amatur), highlighted that progress is being made regarding the transportation fee issue. Since the airport began operations, tour operators have faced significant financial losses due to the exorbitant fee of 4,400 pesos per vehicle accessing the terminal’s platforms. This monthly charge is more than double the 60 pesos per vehicle charged at Cancun Airport for the same service in the federal zone.
In response to the widespread complaints, dialogue sessions have been held with Tulum Airport administrators. González Rubiera reported that these discussions are advancing, and a proposal to reduce the access fees sensibly has been formulated. This proposal has been shared with the Secretariat of Tourism of Quintana Roo (Sedetur) and awaits approval from the airport’s Board of Directors.
González Rubiera mentioned that the Board of Directors is expected to meet between June 16 and June 20, during which the new fee schedule could be approved. This would be a significant development for the summer season, offering a competitive rate for Tulum, a destination proliferating in connectivity and importance.
He suggested that the revised fee schedule would be comparable, if not more favorable, than the rates at Cancun Airport. This adjustment would enhance Tulum’s competitiveness, as current high costs have been detrimental to agencies and transport operators, resulting in substantial losses in the transportation sector.
The sharp increase in transportation fees at Tulum International Airport was implemented in December of the previous year. This decision was met with immediate backlash from tourism operators, who argued that the costs were unsustainable and damaging to their businesses. The 4,400 pesos per vehicle fee was deemed excessive, especially compared to the significantly lower fee of 60 pesos at Cancun Airport. This disparity highlighted the financial burden on tour operators and the need for a more equitable solution.
The high fees have a ripple effect on Tulum’s tourism industry. Tour operators, already facing tight margins, found the additional costs challenging to absorb. This increased tourist prices, potentially deterring visitors and harming Tulum’s reputation as an affordable destination. The proposed fee reduction aims to alleviate these pressures and support the continued growth of Tulum’s tourism sector.
The proposal to reduce fees results from extensive negotiations between stakeholders, including the airport administration, Amatur, and Sedetur. These discussions have been crucial in addressing the concerns of tour operators and finding a solution that balances the airport’s needs with those of the tourism industry. Sedetur’s involvement underscores the importance of tourism to the region’s economy and the need for policies that support sustainable growth.
If approved, the new fee structure could be implemented in time for the summer season, a peak period for tourism in Tulum. This would provide immediate relief to tour operators and position Tulum as a more competitive and attractive destination. The expected reduction in transportation costs could increase visitor numbers, further boosting the local economy.
Sergio González Rubiera expressed optimism about the proposal, stating, “A competitive rate for Tulum during the summer would be significant as the destination continues to grow in connectivity and importance.” He emphasized this change’s positive impact on the tourism industry, noting that the new fee schedule would likely be similar to or even better than that of Cancun Airport.
