TULUM, Quintana Roo – Tulum is gradually witnessing an economic recovery among its local vendors in the aftermath of the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, according to Javier Marrufo Nah, president of the Tulum branch of the National Chamber of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Canaco-Servytur).
In a recent interview, Marrufo Nah acknowledged that small, medium, and large businesses in the region are still grappling with the lingering effects of the coronavirus, compounded by the current low season, which has hindered their efforts to fully restore their financial standing.
Reflecting on the unprecedented losses incurred in 2020, the year when the pandemic struck, Marrufo Nah emphasized that the years 2021, 2022, and 2023 are transitional periods, representing a gradual shift towards true recovery.
“The road to recovery has been arduous and slow for all entrepreneurs, who were severely impacted by the pandemic. It was not only a local phenomenon but a global one that adversely affected their investments. Some took advantage of the situation to undertake renovations, which further complicated matters for them,” explained Marrufo Nah.
Despite the challenges, Marrufo Nah expressed gratitude that the member businesses of Canaco-Servytur have managed to weather the storm without resorting to permanent closures. These enterprises, deeply rooted in the Tulum community, have demonstrated resilience in the face of mounting losses and have chosen to remain affiliated with the chamber.
“Our members have stayed afloat. They are established businesses within the region and have managed to survive despite being in the red. They continue to belong to our chamber, and they have reached out to us to highlight the difficulties they are currently facing,” stated Marrufo Nah.
While acknowledging the current downturn resulting from a dearth of customers, the Canaco-Servytur leader expressed optimism that the forthcoming summer vacation season holds the promise of improved economic inflows for local businesses.
Although the road to recovery remains challenging, Tulum’s entrepreneurs are determined to navigate these difficult times, seeking innovative ways to attract visitors and rejuvenate their businesses. The town’s picturesque beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and rich cultural heritage continue to entice tourists from around the globe.
Tulum’s tourism industry, heavily reliant on international visitors, was dealt a severe blow by travel restrictions and safety concerns brought on by the pandemic. However, with the gradual easing of restrictions and the global vaccination efforts, a glimmer of hope has emerged.
Local authorities, alongside business leaders, have been collaborating to enhance safety protocols and promote Tulum as a safe and desirable destination. These measures include rigorous health and hygiene standards, vaccination campaigns for hospitality workers, and increased investment in digital marketing strategies.
Additionally, Tulum’s entrepreneurs are actively engaging with their target markets through social media platforms, showcasing the region’s unique offerings and highlighting the responsible and sustainable practices they have implemented.
As Tulum prepares for the summer holiday season, businesses are cautiously optimistic that the combination of a gradual recovery from the pandemic’s impact and a renewed focus on attracting visitors will help restore the financial well-being of the local economy.
While challenges persist, the resilience demonstrated by Tulum’s businesses, coupled with the unwavering support from local chambers of commerce and industry organizations, instills confidence that the road to economic recovery is within reach.
