Juan Vázquez Montalvo, weather forecaster at Autonomous University of Yucatan, informed that this week the entire Yucatan peninsula will be impacted by temperatures not seen in more than 50 years.

“It’s important that people take this situation very seriously by exercising precautions to protect themselves from very high temperatures. These weather conditions have not been seen in more than 50 years, so we are in uncharted territory,” he said.

These adverse weather conditions may result in people suffering from heat strokes. If that happens to you or your companions, make sure to cool the patient’s body temperature and keep them hydrated.

According to the National Meteorological Service (SMN), daytime temperatures will range from 39 (102F) to 41 (106F) in Quintana Roo.

Other states such as  Campeche, Tabasco, and Veracruz, will have temperatures above 45C (113F).

At night, people will have to deal with temperatures as high as 26C (79F), plus lots of humidity and no rain.

“The influx of humidity from the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico continues towards the peninsular region and the State of Quintana Roo. It will maintain partially cloudy skies with increasing cloudiness during the course of the day with little chance of rain,” the SMN said this weekend.

This “second” heatwave is caused by “an anticyclonic circulation of the atmosphere,” reported the State Coordination of Civil Protection.

For tomorrow, Tuesday, the SMN forecasts a thermal sensation of over 50C (122F), with no possibility of rain.

If you are thinking: “I’ve got AC, no problem,” that might not save you.

During the first heatwave dated mid-April, when temperatures reached 40C (104F), 18 states across Mexico experienced a blackout, including Quintana Roo, due to the “high demand for power.”

For more than two hours, some Cancun and Playa del Carmen neighborhoods didn’t have electricity, then operations returned to normal.

A situation like that can happen again if too much stress is put on the country’s CFE (Federal Electricity Commission), said the energy organization.

The post Cancun Area To Experience The Hottest Heat Wave In 50 Years, Warn Experts appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Due to the strong east-to-west flowing winds, the monitoring network is anticipating that this mass of 5,000 km2 (3,100 mi2) will hit the waters of the Mexican Caribbean in the coming weeks. They expect that the mass will arrive in waves hitting mainly in the Southern Zone of the State, in about two weeks.

Join or FB Seaweed Reporting Groups:

• Mexico Sargassum Seaweed Updates (Cancun, PDC, Tulum, etc.)
• Dominican Republic Sargassum Seaweed Reports (Punta Cana, Cabarete, etc.)
• Sargassum Seaweed in Caribbean | Monitoring and Daily Updates
• Sargassum Seaweed Florida: Daily Updates and Photo Reports

This comes after approximately 135 tons were expected to wash ashore on the tranquil waters of the Mexican Caribbean in mid-April. In total, this year there is expected to be between 200 and 300 thousand tons of sargassum washing on the coasts of the Mexican Caribbean according to the Sargassum Monitoring Network.

The rotting, stinking algae is composed of gas-filled structures that keep the brown seaweed buoyant and make its way to all Caribbean islands, the Gulf of Mexico, and Southeast Florida. When washing ashore, not only does it stink, but it is not advised to swim next to it as it can cause the skin to turn red and into an itchy rash.

While it is harmful to humans, the seaweed helps with shoreline stability and is home to many marine species and the algae helps with erosion and provides beach plants with nutrients.

Along with the Mexican Caribbean, the massive amounts of sargassum have impacted other destinations in the Caribbean region, such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and even the Florida Peninsula.

In the Dominican Republic, hoteliers and local authorities are cleaning beaches every morning and installing ocean barriers as sargassum peaks between May and August on the country’s shores.

The post Seaweed Alert: 5,000 Square Kilometers Of Sargassum Heading To Mexican Caribbean appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Beaches most affected by high concentrations of algae include Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Sian Ka’an, and certain areas between Cancun and Puerto Morelos.

However, accurately predicting which beaches will be affected and to what extent is extremely difficult, as conditions change almost daily and often without notice.

Join our Seaweed/Sargassum Cancun FB group where locals and tourists post photos and videos from the area

Read on for the latest information on the sargassum situation at Mexicos’ beaches.

Sargassum Seaweed Cancun Right Now (MAY 7 Update)

Sargassum season in Cancun has been very good in 2024 but recently there has been an increase. There are morning clean-ups organized by resorts which keep the beaches mostly clean until afternoon.

Mexican Caribbean Coast Sargassum Seaweed Map

The latest sargassum seaweed MAP of the Quintana Roo coast was issued on April 29, 2024.

Note: The situation changes every day in unpredictable ways, so you take this information as an estimation. You can count on Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres as clean destinations. As for Cancun, seaweed levels are low but depending on the current it can change from day to day.

Sargassum Seaweed Distribution Across the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean – Satellite Report

Latest Cancun photo updates:

Cancun video update (by Traveling Lifestyle) – April 24, 2024

The walk was recorded on April 24 on Playa Delfines passing famous resorts:

• Iberostar Selection Resort Cancun,
• Seadust Cancun Family Resort,
• Royal Caribbean Cancun,
• Wyndham Grand Cancun Resort,
• Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun,
• Paradius Cancun Resort,
• JW Marriot Cancun Resort & SPA,
• Hard Rock Resort Cancun.

Here are some of the live cameras from Cancun Resorts:

• The Royal Haciendas 2
• The Royal Sands Live Webcam Phase 1
• Cancún desde Hotel Iberostar

Daily Seaweed Updates and Beach Photos (Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, etc.):

May 2 – May 7

Viral videos from different parts of the Mexican Caribbean are circulating the internet and continue to impact tourism as the sargassum season slowly starts peaking in the region.

Playacar MAY 3 – Video report from the walk in front of popular resorts (RIU Palace, Reef Hotel, Iberostar Playacar, Viva by Wyndham etc.)

April 30 – May 1

The situation in Playa del Carmen is out of control in some of the beaches. The cleaning crew struggles to keep up with constant (24h) seaweed arrival.

Here are some latest seaweed photo updates from Holbox, PDC, Tulum and Puerto Aventuras:

April 24 – 29

Latest photo updates from Puerto Morels and Playa del Carmen

April 22 – 23

Tankah Bay and Paradius

Playa Caracol, the cleanest beach in Cancun, zero seaweed – April 22, 2024

April 20 – 21

Sarah G. said in her FB report: “Today in Tulum. Sargassum is here. But they are doing a good job of mitigation. It’s different everywhere but also not really in the water or stinky. No complaints.”

“The worst photo is La Zebra. The other two are equidistant in either direction. Enjoy.” she continued.

April 17 – 19

Latest news, photos, and video from recent seaweed arrival

Sargassum seaweed alert in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean has been raised for the first time in 2024 by the local officials.

The arrival of the sargassum continues as predicted. According to photos submitted to our FB reporting group and information from our journalist in the area, the situation is at its worst in 2024.

This increase in the sargassum prompts the Mexican Navy to install more barriers along the Cancun and other parts of the coast.

Video report from Puerto Morelos (by Traveling Lifestyle)

April 15 – 16

Another wave of sargassum is expected in the upcoming weeks

Mexican officials expect another wave of seaweed on the beaches of popular destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal, and Cozumel.

Latest photo & video updates:

April 13 – 14

Latest update on Mexico’s seaweed situation from the FB reporting group. Photos from Playa del Carmen, Akumal and Puerto Morelos

April 11 – 12

Latest photos from Playa del Carmen, Playa Car, and Puerto Morelos

Massive Arrival of Seaweed to Mexican Caribbean from April 6

Massive invasions of seaweed started happening in the Mexican Caribbean. From April 6, people started uploading photos into our FB seaweed reporting group with huge amounts of seaweed on the beaches of Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Tulum, etc. This invasion continues throughout the week and it’s most likely caused by increased temperatures in the Caribbean.

Here are some photos from our FB group (April 7 – 10):

When Does Seaweed Season Start In Cancun (Mexican Caribbean)?

According to the data from the last 2 years, seaweed season in Cancun starts in February and peaks between April and August. Some parts close to Cancun, such as Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Puerto Morelos see the start of the peak already in February.

What is the seaweed sargasso and what is causing it?

Sargassum is a type of brown seaweed that floats on the ocean surface and is known for forming large masses or “blooms.” It is distinctive for its leafy appearance and air-filled bladders that aid in buoyancy.

The recent increases in sargassum blooms, particularly in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, are attributed to various factors including nutrient enrichment from agricultural runoff and human waste, climate change, and altered ocean currents. These factors contribute to an environment conducive to the rapid growth and accumulation of sargassum, leading to significant environmental and economic impacts on coastal regions.

The post Cancun Sargassum Seaweed Area DAILY 2024 Updates and MAP appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

This fact was evident on April 18 when a Canadian tourist named Xavier Cornier was scammed by a taxi driver identified as Eduardo G., who was working at the airport without a legal permit in a taxi labeled “Airport Taxi.”

Two security guards made the Canadian believe he wasn’t allowed to stay at Terminal 3 and that he had to move to Terminal 4, by taxi, because he also wasn’t allowed to do it on foot. They also insisted he had to pay by credit card an amount of $5. They didn’t mention that the inter-terminal shuttle service was free and operating as usual.

Cornier arrived at Terminal 4, where he was charged $528.14 Canadian dollars, twice!

After a fight in which the driver also tried to steal his belongings, two police officers forced the driver to reimburse the tourist. The driver was taken into custody a few days later but he was quickly released because Cornier didn’t press any charges.

The case has been seen by more than 6 million TikTok users who followed 6 viral videos posted by Cornier. Many of the viewers claimed they had similar experiences at this airport.

According to Alejandro García from Quequi News, efforts implemented to eradicate illegal transportation at Cancun International Airport are “a lie” because it is known that members of the National Guard as well as some politicians own many of these taxis.

“Irregular operators are underhanded and even protected by members of the corporation [National Guard] since it’s an open secret that many of these units [illegal taxis] are owned by officials and local politicians,” said García.

According to legally established airport taxi companies, illegal taxis at Cancun International Airport would be more than 900 units.

Last October, representatives of the National Chamber of Passenger and Tourism Transportation (Canapat) met with members of the National Guard to discuss strategies to combat illegal transportation at Cancun Airport.

“Unfortunately, these individuals create a negative reputation that spreads everywhere. I think this should be sanctioned by the National Guard or the corresponding authority. Asur must cancel concessions as a punishment for those who take advantage of tourists and don’t think how much they are affecting the destination,” said Jesús Almaguer Salazar, President of the Hotel Association of Cancún, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres.

According to García, “the corruption chain” begins in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT), the entity that authorizes the issuance of licenses without the presentation of required legal documents.

The post Mexican Media Exposes Cancun Taxi Airport Scammers’ Ties To Local Officials appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

From dips in the crystal clear waters to journeys through the dense jungles and multiple yoga retreats, the city is one of the most Instagrammable and mystic cities in Mexico.

Whether you are looking to relax, recharge or journey beyond this summer, here are five resorts to stay at in Tulum.

Casa Malca

Casa Malca is a chic 71-room hotel in Tulum, which blends refined luxury and artistic splendor.and offers three restaurants on property. Boasting a world-renowned multi-million dollar art collection meticulously curated by the visionary Lio Malca, the hotel is a haven with a rich cultural tapestry and lavish accommodations. The mansion once owned by Pablo Escobar offers guests a swimming pool which looks to the ocean through a tunnel to paradise, as well as an underground swimming pool and a stunning rooftop with 360-degree views.

With suites ranging up to 650 sq. ft.with floor-to-ceiling windows, they offer views of the beach or jungle. Alongside a 6,651-ft private beach, guests can book a massage or enjoy specials like the Sobada Maya and Swedish massage. This summer, book directly with Casa Malca and save 20% on rates from May to September.

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya

Overlooking white-sand beaches and Caribbean coastline of the Riviera Maya, Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort is the brand’s largest resort in the Caribbean and Latin America. The resort is the brand’s first all-inclusive offering in Tulum and joins the campus of Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya to offer 735 stylish rooms, including 59 suites, 13 all-inclusive dining experiences, eight resort pools along with a fitness center with a yoga studio and spin room.

This summer, families can experience the ultimate getaway with their Family Fun Break Package, offered February 28th, 2024 to December 31st, 2024 as kids will be able to stay for free during this period. Families will enjoy a three-night stay in one of the resort’s Ocean View rooms with complimentary round-trip airport transportation This package provides access to the Family Zone, 13 All-Inclusive bars and restaurants, daily activities and a dedicated entertainment program.

Casa Chablé

Set on an idyllic strip of land between a white sand beach and tropical jungle, Casa Chablé is the first luxury eco-resort in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just 22 miles south of picturesque Tulum, this property is the third location from Chablé Hotels, Mexico’s leading luxury hospitality and wellness brand. Offering just five standalone beachfront bungalows and a main villa housing five guest rooms, the intimate retreat offers true barefoot luxury on 12 acres of tropical jungle nestled along white-sand beaches.

Along with their thatched-roof gourmet restaurant serving fresh daily catch, an oceanfront wellness cabana, gym, Casa Principal swimming pool and private beach dotted with canopy daybeds and hammocks, guests can enjoy a multitude of wildlife encounters and water activities just off the resort’s shores.

The property recently announced its Summer Getaway promotion (starting at $430/night) with not-to-miss preferred rates for an unforgettable escape in the biosphere. Stay 3 or more nights at Casa Chablé this summer and receive up to a 33% discount on the best available rate, daily breakfast for two, a welcome amenity and $150 resort credit per stay/per room. Guests who book this package also have access to Casa Chablé’s kayaks, paddle board and beach bikes to explore the biosphere by land and sea.

Amansala

Amansala is an all-inclusive yoga and wellness resort in Tulum named in Sanskrit after Tulum’s peaceful, crystal-clear waters. Aman (peace) and Sala (waters) perfectly encapsulate this eco-chic boutique hotel, where they offer all-inclusive mind-body-spirit tune-up retreats as well as rooms where you can just lounge by the pool or beach and create your itinerary. The village-like setting consists of two properties, Grande and Chica, each made up of a variety of types of rooms as well as three yoga shalas and two restaurants serving delicious fresh food from the nearby waters and local purveyors.

This summer, send the family to camp at Amansala with their Family Summer Camp package ($1,350/night for up to four people, meals and activities included).

Reconnect with each other and nature, create remarkable memories by kayaking in cenotes, taking Spanish classes, going on guided turtle walks, star gazing, and just spending quality time with those that you love.

If fitness is your focus, work on your bikini body this summer, with their signature Bikini Bootcamp program. A typical day would start with a beach walk followed by yoga, a delicious healthy breakfast, fitness or sculpting classes, time to relax on the beach, lunch, an afternoon massage followed by a restorative yoga class, and a delicious dinner around a communal table. Prices start at $465 a night per person, with sessions starting June 5-11, July 1-7, and August 30-September 6.

Mi Amor Hotel

Mi Amor Hotel is nestled upon a small rocky outcrop overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Mi Amor Hotel is a romantic hotel perfect for couples to relax and reconnect. Designed using iconic colors and textures reminiscent of the “Acapulco Heyday” era of the 1950’s, the Art Deco, Acapulco Heyday-inspired playground features uniquely-designed accommodations. Offering seven different room categories, whether oceanfront or in our palmed jungle, all are close enough for guests to be serenaded by the sea.

Hideaway inside one of their private striped cabanas perched among the lush gardens while listening to the waves or swing from hammock chairs over the infinity pool enjoying the sounds of the sea. Take in a couples spa treatment or a cocktail class before dining at Hinostroza which features brunch every day and an intimate dinner menu highlighting Mexico´s abundance of seafood. Plan a romantic private four-course private dinner overlooking the Caribbean Sea all in the seductive color red to bring a little passion to the evening or book The Perfect Date and see the nearby ruins and explore cenotes with a private guide.

The post TOP 5 Tulum Resorts With Summer 2024 Deals appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

“Some hotels have up to 300 employees ready to collect sargassum, depending on the resort’s size, because there are some with very large beach fronts. However, if sargacero vessels are put in operation, collection will be much easier. They have worked,” said Jesús Almaguer Salazar, President of the Hotel Association of Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres.

Resorts managers have also spoken to authorities regarding the ocean barriers to prevent the seaweed from washing ashore.

“We have been talking for months with the Naval Region Admiral, and thanks to that, anti-sargassum barriers are being placed from Puerto Morelos to Mahahual… These barriers significantly reduce the arrival to the beach,” Almaguer stated.

Some of the most popular beaches in Quintana Roo are installing up to 8,600 meters of anti-sargassum barriers. This reinforces the labor of 22 small boats, an ocean vessel, four beach sweepers, 11 algae collectors, and eight amphibious bands to control sargassum in 2024, according to REPORTUR.mx.

For its part, the Secretary of Navy (Semar) has 22 smaller vessels ready to support the “Natans” ship operations, according to El Heraldo.

Hoteliers are also lobbying for the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) to rethink the type of population the state houses so the national government allocates more funds for the particular issues this region has, sargassum, for instance. 

Meanwhile, due to low temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, sargassum season in Quintana Roo started several weeks later than usual.

So far, the most affected beaches include Playa del Carmen, Sian Ka’an, Cozumel, Tulum, and some coasts between Cancun and Puerto Morelos.

But it doesn’t mean these beaches are dirty all day long. Authorities work unstoppably to clean them as soon as possible. 

For the time being, tourism projections have been positive and hoteliers expect figures to continue growing during the rest of the year.

“We had a very good (Easter) season. That serves as a base for the rest of the year. It is very important to have passed Holy Week without serious incidents,. We all know that it is complicated because there is a lot of land tourism. But we are very happy. We are having good results and we hope to continue like this,” Almaguer stated.

The post Mexico’s Beach Resorts Increase Staff To Fight Sargassum Ahead Of Summer 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

On May 3, Tulum International Airport Felipe Carrillo Puerto (TQO) will receive its first passengers from Toronto, and on May 4, from Montreal.

“New route alert! Beginning May 3, 2024, you’ll be able to fly direct to Tulum from Toronto on Fridays and Sundays, and from May 4, 2024, direct from Montreal on Saturdays.” Air Canada said in a press release.

This is part of Air Canada’s diversification strategy for popular destinations, according to Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada.

For his part, Miguel Torruco Marqués, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, celebrated the start of the new two routes. 

“Without connectivity, there is no tourism, and the [Toronto and Montreal] new routes to the new Tulum International Airport, which is ready to receive five million passengers, will boost the arrival of tourists from our second most important source market for international tourists.”

By summer 2024, Air Canada will be operating 520 daily flights to 120 destinations in Canada, the US, and the Caribbean, accounting for 66,000 seats, which represents an increase of 5 percent from 2023. 

Air Canada is the latest carrier flying to Tulum non-stop. On March 31, the destination welcomed its first-ever United Airlines flight from Boston, and some days later, another from Chicago. 

As of today, United transports passengers to Tulum from eight American cities.

Other airlines offering non-stop flights to Tulum include Delta, which started operations to this town on March 28 from Atlanta, and American Airlines which offers flights to Tulum from Dallas and Charlotte.

Representing Central America, Copa Airlines has been operating a Panama-Tulum route since February.

On June 13, JetBlue will fly to Tulum from New York (JFK). For its part, Spirit Airlines has announced the start of operations to Tulum from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando in the next few months.

Iberojet in Europe also plans to offer flights to Tulum from Spain and France later this year.

The post Another Major International Airline To Start Flights To Tulum On May 2 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

In 2024, sargassum seaweed season in Cancun was better until last week when the whole Mexican Caribbean saw an influx of seaweed on the beaches.

Thankfully, not all beaches have been equally affected by the presence of Sargassum. We have curated a comprehensive selection of beaches in the Cancun area with low amounts of Sargassum.

Caracol Beach – Hotel Zone

Caracol Beach is located in the Northern part of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. As it doesn’t have the same current as the main beaches, the waters are more calm with less seaweed.

It’s located in Punta Cancun which is a prime location with restaurants, bars and some of the best Cancun resorts such as Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, Hotel Riu Cancun, and Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas. Playa Caracol is a public beach, so it’s easy to reach even if you’re not staying in one of the resorts.

It’s also known as one of the best beaches for families as the waves are not strong and there are no dangerous currents.

Isla Contoy

Spanning a mere 5 miles in length, the island’s pristine white sand, untouched by sargassum, stands as its undeniable centerpiece, drawing visitors in with its sheer beauty.

Isla Mujeres Playa Centro

Playa Centro, famous for its pristine white sand and stunning waters, stands as one of Quintana Roo’s most beautiful beaches. It is no wonder that a visit to Isla Mujeres is a must-do for many tourists during their stay in Cancun.

You can get to Isla Mujeres by ferry from Puerto Juarez which is located only 15 minutes from Cancun. It only takes about 15 minutes and it goes every 30 minutes.

Isla Mujeres – Punta Sur

Punta Sur, although not a traditional beach, is a perfect retreat to evade sargassum. Marvel at the extraordinary sculptures and captivating coastline.

This rocky shore showcases the remarkable artwork of over 20 skilled Mexican painters, along with fascinating traces of Mexican archaeology. Capture stunning photos of the sargassum-free Caribbean Sea, making it an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts.

Chiquila Beach

A serene beach in Chiquila, away from Cancun’s hustle, provides a peaceful retreat and perfect getaway from seaweed.

Indulge in delicious seafood while lounging on the sand. Chiquila’s port offers daily excursions to Holbox Island for adventurous travelers.

Holbox Island is located 37.8 miles (60.9 kilometers) from Cancun and can be easily reached by car or shuttle bus but you will have to take a ferry after. There are no cars on the island, so you if you’re coming with a rental car, you’ll need to leave it at the port. The ferry ride takes around 25 minutes.

Playa Tortugas

Playa Tortugas is a captivating destination renowned for its stunning beaches and serene atmosphere. Situated in the North of Cancun, it gets less seaweed compared to other beaches in Cancun.

It can be conveniently accessed by cab, allowing visitors to explore the lively entertainment areas of Cancun at their leisure.

Playa Ballenas

Playa Ballenas in Cancun is a must for beach lovers looking for a piece of paradise without sargassum. With its pristine sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, this idyllic beach offers a tranquil and picturesque retreat. Relax under the swaying palm trees, soak up the warm rays of the sun, and let the refreshing ocean waves carry you away. Whether you want to relax, enjoy water activities like snorkeling, or simply admire the breathtaking coastal scenery, Playa Ballenas has it all.

Plus, the beach is close to hotels, restaurants and amenities, so you are guaranteed a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Escape to Playa Ballenas and enjoy the beauty and tranquility that Cancun has to offer.

The post These Are 7 Beaches Near Cancun Without Seaweed appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

With more than 500 operations between arrivals and departures, Cancun International Airport is receiving over 20 daily complaints regarding mistreatment and delays, according to REPORTUR.mx. 

Common complaints include extreme wait times at immigration checkpoints (more than 2 hours), a lack of officials to process documents, missing connections and shuttle services, low-quality internet, and even extorsions perpetrated by immigration officers, according to local news outlet El Economista.   

Fed up with the mistreatment of their customers, The Hotel Association of Cancún, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres sent a letter to Tourism Secretary Miguel Torruco, expressing “great concerns from the Quintana Roo hotel sector” regarding “situations” experienced by a rising number of travelers at Cancun International Airport, said President Jesús Almaguer in February. 

“We continue to have an increase in complaints from United States and Latin American tourists upon entering the Cancun International Airport migration area. They’ve informed us about the lack of migration officials, exaggerated times to cross the filters, and even more worrisome, the mistreatment of the Colombian market by immigration agents,” reads the letter. 

Juan Enrique Suárez Del Real Tostado, President of the Union of Tourism Secretaries (Asetur), stated they are closely monitoring the mistreatment tourists have suffered at the hands of immigration officials. He said he’d escalate matters to the Ministry of Interior to expose these facts.

“We have to give [tourists] adequate treatment. We understand that sometimes the work is so routine that it can generate a situation where we forget to provide that attention, but we are going to propose a precise system of immigration training.”

According to Suárez, airport officials have to “understand how much tourism means, but above all, the image they can generate,” he said.

But that can be a little bit late. 73 out of 115 reviews on TripAdvisor, rank Cancun International Airport as “Terrible.”

A family traveling on March 2024 said: “unorganised and long queue, not the best start to the holiday, luckily the rest of the trip made up for it…”

A group of friends also traveling in March 2024, said there were no parking slots available so they had to wait almost one hour to get off the plane: “Fourty five minute wait on the tarmac to get a gate, then 1hr to get through immigration. Emerge from baggage pick up to find a place to wait for friends arriving on a different flight. No place to sit down for however long it takes for our friends to emerge. No regard whatever for the comfort of travellers by the airport authority.”

Another family also complained about the excessive wait times at immigration: “Took us 2 hours to get through passport control, taking them initially 45 minutes to even bother putting people on the gates! A near further hour to then get through customs. Complete mayhem from start to finish, the worst airport I’ve ever passed through.”

Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama has reportedly met with federal and state authorities, hotel associations and the Southeast Airport Group (ASUR) to define steps that allow them to control security and streamline the entrance of tourists at immigration checkpoints, REPORTUR.mx revealed.

The post Cancun Airport Keeps Seeing Complaints Growth About Immigration Processes appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

The sargassum seaweed season in Cancun had been very mild in 2024 but it started changing last week. Reports and photos from today, April 24, suggest a huge spike in the amount of sargassum in Cancun and the region.

Last month, the state government, along with the Secretary of Navy, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, environmentalists and civil society, joined forces to tackle sargassum in 2024.

According to Jesús Almaguer Salazar, President of the Hotel Association of Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres, local hoteliers have hired up to 300 workers each to keep beaches clean.

“Each hotel makes plans depending on sargassum behavior and with these barriers, we’ve significantly reduced its arrival. Some hotels have up to 300 employees dedicated to this [cleaning], depending on the hotel size.”

The Naval Region has started to install anti-sargassum ocean barriers from Puerto Morelos to Mahahual, which has always been the most affected area.

This preventive strategy, along with the use of special ships capable of collecting the algae in the open sea, has significantly reduced its presence at local beaches.

Almaguer also said that the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) should take into account the particularities of the population living in tourist states such as Quintana Roo, given that funds to address issues like sargassum depend on data this institution provides.

“Inegi should consider that in tourist states like ours, we have up to 20 million temporary inhabitants throughout the year, who demand services, who require services, and who need to use public services.”

For this season, 22 smaller vessels will be supporting the “Natans” ship, in addition to 340 workers, including technical-scientific personnel, as per the Secretary of Navy (Semar.)

In the first two weeks of operation, Quintana Roo has collected 950 tons of seaweed in the sea.

The post Cancun Resorts Brace For Massive Sargassum Seaweed Influx appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.