The Future of Travel Starts in Tulum
TULUM, México – As Tulum is on the verge of becoming the most significant destination in the Mexican Caribbean, a comprehensive development plan focused on connectivity and tourism draws national and international attention. David Ortiz Mena, president of the Tulum Hotel Association, is at the forefront of this transformative campaign. He envisions Tulum as a destination and a world-class tourist hub.
In a landmark presentation before Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama, Ortiz Mena highlighted innovative tourism strategies propelling Tulum forward. The Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport and the Maya Train project are pivotal, enhancing access to the region. These infrastructural developments are expected to boost tourist arrivals from Germany, Canada, and the United States.
Ortiz Mena praised the timing and coherence of the campaign. “It’s an incredibly timely campaign,” he said. “Effectively, it heralds a new era for the Mexican Caribbean, proposing a more cohesive integration of our destinations. With the new airport and the Maya Train, we’re moving beyond being seen as twelve separate destinations. We’re becoming a singular, more accessible destination with a diverse and complementary array of offerings that stand out against Caribbean competitors.”
However, terrestrial connectivity to the airport remains a challenge, particularly concerning transportation costs. Ortiz Mena emphasized the need to reassess taxi and ground transportation rates to make access to the airport more affordable and competitive with other destinations, like Cancún.
“Traveling to Tulum’s airport is significantly more expensive than the cost from Tulum to Cancún’s airport,” Ortiz Mena pointed out. “We need to address this. Negotiating more reasonable rates with the airport for federal transportation services and taxis is a matter. ADO already offers many routes to and from the airport, but we must look beyond Tulum to places like Playa del Carmen or Bacalar. The Maya Train will significantly improve connectivity once operational in these areas.”
The hotel entrepreneur highlighted the successful collaboration between the private sector and state tourism policies. This partnership has been crucial in promoting the Mexican Caribbean as an attractive destination for travelers of all ages and preferences.
Beyond the ongoing initiatives, Tulum’s development plan includes sustainable tourism practices to preserve its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The region’s commitment to eco-friendly tourism aligns with global trends towards responsible travel. Tulum’s unique offering of ancient Mayan ruins, pristine beaches, and vibrant contemporary culture positions it as a model for sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean.
The Mexican Caribbean’s rise as a premier travel destination is a testament to strategic planning and collaboration. Tulum’s evolution from a quiet beach town to a bustling tourist hub exemplifies the potential for growth when infrastructure, sustainability, and cultural heritage are aligned.
