TULUM, México – In a dramatic series of events, the Fiscalía Especializada en Delitos Patrimoniales, assisted by the Policía de Investigación, moved to secure several properties in Tulum’s coastal zone, including the Alumbra-Kitchen Table hotel, Aku’um hotel, and the restaurants La Esquina and Kira’s Beach House. These actions, undertaken under the case file FGE/QROO/BJ/04/8418/2024, left tourists and employees in shock and confusion as the establishments were abruptly shut down.
Over 100 individuals were hired to remove furniture and install metal barricades around the premises, disrupting both the local workforce and tourists. Many visitors were left disoriented, not knowing where to go after the sudden closures.
Employees affected by the operation voiced their concerns over handling the situation, noting that they were forcibly removed without prior notice and denied the chance to retrieve personal belongings. Some reported the loss of individual items, including cell phones and business equipment, during the eviction process.
The affected businesses are located along the Boca Paila road at kilometer 5 of Tulum’s coastal zone. The significant police presence, which included Municipal Police and the National Guard, caused severe traffic congestion from kilometers 5.5 to 6, particularly at the intersection of Kukulcán Avenue and Costera, a critical route connecting the coastal area with the city center.
Despite the disruptions and grievances expressed by the employees and tourists, the operations lasted approximately two hours and did not result in any arrests for obstructing the authorities’ efforts.
In addition to the four properties mentioned, an attempt was made to evict another restaurant, operated by iL’Guazzeto S.A. de C.V., located at the intersection of Tulum Avenue and Beta Norte Street in the Centro neighborhood. However, a phone call from higher authorities allegedly instructed the officer to cancel the eviction, citing a lack of contractual compliance as the reason for the operation.
The official handling the situation stated that the operation had to be halted without guarantees to proceed. iL’Guazzeto S.A. de C.V. had rented the space for a restaurant but sold the rights to a third party named Jaime Medina, who made unauthorized alterations and stopped paying rent.
Authorities have not provided a detailed explanation for the swift and forceful execution of the closures. However, sources suggest that the actions might be part of a broader effort to address property disputes and illegal land use in Tulum, a city known for its rapid and sometimes unregulated development.
The local community has expressed mixed reactions to the enforcement actions. While some residents believe such measures are necessary to ensure lawful business operations and proper land use, others criticize the lack of transparency and the potential damage to Tulum’s tourism-dependent economy. The immediate impact on employees, who rely on these jobs for their livelihood, has sparked concern and calls for more humane handling of such situations.
Environmental activists have also noted that the proliferation of unregulated developments poses significant threats to Tulum’s fragile ecosystems. They argue that strict enforcement is essential to preserving the area’s natural beauty and ecological integrity, which are key attractions for visitors.
The aftermath of these operations raises essential questions about the future of property management and business operations in Tulum. Authorities will likely face increased scrutiny over their methods and the underlying motives behind such actions. Meanwhile, business owners and investors may need to navigate a more complex regulatory landscape, balancing the need for compliance with the demands of a booming tourism industry.
Efforts to mediate between the needs of the local workforce, the interests of business owners, and the enforcement of legal and environmental standards will be crucial in shaping Tulum’s sustainable development. The community, while resilient, will need to adapt to these changes and seek constructive dialogue with authorities to ensure a fair and prosperous future for all stakeholders involved.
