This is a translation of the opinion piece written by Quintana Roo journalist Jorge Eugenio Acevedo Marín, published in El Heraldo de Mexico.
The participation of hoteliers, restaurateurs, and service providers is also needed to bring Tulum together through the storm.
I recently attended a forum to remember the effects and actions taken 20 years ago when Cancún was devastated by Hurricane Wilma, which was able to recover in months despite everything against it.
Listening to the participants’ anecdotes made me go back in time and remember what happened and, also, what came next.
What struck me most about this historic event is the positive things it brought—in the face of a terrifying scenario—and the lessons learned to do things better than before and not repeat the mistakes of the past.
All of this grounded my thoughts in the present and led me to Tulum, which today is experiencing its own storm, without rain or hurricane-force winds.
And although it’s not a meteorological phenomenon, it is a social issue that has left the tourism industry in a severe crisis.
And as happened with Wilma 20 years ago—with Cancún, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and the Riviera Maya devastated—there was confusion that was exploited by “enemies” or competitors to carry out negative media campaigns to magnify what is truly happening in Tulum.
But, as then, we must grab the bull by the horns and take action to reverse any negative image that has been generated about this important tourist and archaeological area.
And it must be done by everyone. Let’s not place the responsibility solely on the government, at all three levels, which, by the way, are already in talks to develop strategies in this regard.
The participation of hoteliers, restaurateurs, and service providers is also required to help Tulum weather the storm together.
Let no one feel attacked, but let them also accept blame and learn so as not to commit the same abuses that call this beautiful development into question today.
We must not forget that just a few years ago, Tulum was the hottest tourist destination not only in the country but throughout the world.
The most important events were held there, and the most fashionable stars—socially, politically, and artistically—had a great preference for Tulum.
Something went wrong, and all of that today is a story that must be recovered with the work of everyone.
It’s time to rebuild, to accept mistakes, and to seek joint solutions.
If that happens, there is no doubt that Tulum will soon regain its splendor and shine once again as one of the most prized jewels of the Mexican Caribbean.
It’s about overcoming the bad winds and making them fresh and hopeful.
By Jorge Eugenio Acevedo Marín
Source: El Heraldo de Mexico
