Is Tren Maya Jeopardizing Business for Locatarios in Tulum’s Archaeological Zone?
In a gathering that brought together local merchants from the picturesque archaeological site of Tulum, situated on the stunning Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, concerns were raised regarding the potential impact of upcoming federal projects. The meeting, attended by Cristina Torres, the Secretary of Government, and Diego Castañón Trejo, the Mayor of Tulum, aimed to provide an opportunity for these business owners to express their worries and seek clarification on how their livelihoods might be affected.
At the heart of the merchants’ concerns lay the belief that the anticipated government initiatives, such as the construction of the Tren Maya station, might not directly benefit them and could potentially divert tourist traffic away from the main entrance to the historic monument complex. This, in turn, could have detrimental effects on their businesses, which heavily rely on the steady flow of visitors exploring the ancient ruins.
Secretary Cristina Torres acknowledged these concerns and sought to address them by shedding light on the government’s plans. She emphasized that the merchants’ anxieties were rooted in uncertainties surrounding future projects that would connect the Tren Maya stop to the archaeological zone. Specifically, the merchants were unsure about their place within these projects and whether they would be considered and included. Torres highlighted the necessity of a transparent dialogue between the federal government, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), and the Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial, and Urban Development (Sedatu) to provide clarity on the concrete details of the projects and ensure the merchants’ interests are taken into account.
“We want to establish a meeting between the federal government, INAH, and Sedatu to guide and inform the merchants about the specific project details, whether they will be encompassed within its scope, and, most importantly, to reassure them that the state and municipal government will not leave them behind. We are committed to safeguarding the interests of our local business community and will not permit any project that excludes them,” asserted Torres.
One particular aspect of concern for the merchants is the planned construction of a bridge that would directly transport train travelers to the walled city, bypassing the main entrance to the archaeological site. This potential rerouting raises questions about the impact on foot traffic and whether the merchants will still enjoy a steady influx of visitors. The fear of being isolated from this new development has fueled their desire for reassurance and inclusion in any new design plans for the area.
The Secretary of Government acknowledged these fears and reaffirmed the commitment of the state and municipal governments to ensure the economic well-being of the local community. Torres stressed that the upcoming meeting with federal authorities on June 19th would serve as an opportunity for merchants to voice their concerns and seek clarification on the projects in question. The ultimate goal is to establish a mutually agreeable solution that supports the merchants and takes into account their unique perspective and needs.
Diego Castañón Trejo, the Mayor of Tulum, expressed gratitude to the artisans for their patience and assured them that their voices were being heard. He spoke of a previous meeting held just fifteen days ago, during which he promised the merchants that he would facilitate a discussion with the Secretary of Government to provide accurate information and dispel any unfounded rumors or concerns. Castañón Trejo expressed optimism about the upcoming meeting between federal, state, and municipal entities, viewing it as a significant opportunity to reach a consensus and find solutions that will safeguard and support the local artisans.
As this dialogue between local merchants and government officials continues to unfold, there is a palpable hope that the concerns of the business community in Tulum will be adequately addressed. The delicate balance between preserving the cultural heritage of the archaeological site and fostering economic prosperity for the local merchants remains at the forefront of the discussion. By ensuring open communication and collaboration among all stakeholders, the aim is to create a harmonious future where the tourism industry flourishes alongside the vibrant local business community.
