Arriving at Tulum’s new airport is a pleasant experience for tourists. However, the problem begins when they try to exit.
Transferring from this airport to Tulum Center or any other destination in Quintana Roo is much more expensive than a transfer to the center of Paris, France.
At least that was what the president of the Tulum Hotel Association, David Ortiz, stated. He believes that these costs are not helping the destination become competitive.
“The trip from the airport to the center of Tulum is more expensive than the same trip to the center of Mexico City or even to many European cities, including Paris,” said the hotelier.
Taxi and tourist van rates from the new Tulum airport can be higher than the plane ticket itself, causing annoyance and confusion among travelers.
This affects the reputation of the destination and disservices tourism promotion efforts, Ortiz said.
Currently, the administration of Tulum airport is charging USD 48 plus taxes for a vehicle to enter the airport, while Cancun’s airport charges only USD 1.72 for a 40-minute stay, even for buses.
The difference is huge. Tulum airport taxi drivers are currently charging visitors up to USD 60 to leave this terminal. However, if they are heading to a place such as Bacalar, they will have to pay no less than USD 593!
Ortiz and other tourism leaders have called for this situation to be corrected, as the announced flights to Tulum could be reduced if it is too expensive for tourists to leave the airport terminal by land.
They are therefore calling on the authorities to take action immediately.
Recent Taxi Drivers Violent Attack On Tourist Raises Concerns Among Visitors
Taxi drivers in Quintana Roo, specifically in the bustling areas of the Mexican Caribbean like Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Tulum are facing increased scrutiny due to persistent reports of aggressive behavior towards tourists.
A recent shocking video that captured a group of taxi drivers attacking two tourists in Playa del Carmen has rapidly spread across social media platforms, igniting widespread outrage. This altercation occurred outside the popular Coco Bongo nightclub over disputes related to fare overcharging.
In response to such incidents and the burgeoning reputation of taxi service unreliability, 2024 marks a pivotal year with the implementation of stringent laws and regulations aimed at reforming taxi safety and reliability in the region. These measures are part of a broader effort to safeguard travelers, especially as the popularity of ride-sharing apps like Uber escalates, posing a competitive threat to traditional taxi services.
The recent assault in Playa del Carmen, which left the community and visitors in shock, underscores the urgent need for enforcement and compliance with these new regulatory measures. As Quintana Roo prepares for the influx of visitors during the busy travel season, the focus intensifies on ensuring that the transportation sector, particularly taxis, offers safe, fair, and reliable services to all travelers.