Cancún's Tourism Growth Masks Social Gaps

Manuel Baeza / Grupo Cantón

Cancún, Mexico - The city's thriving tourism industry masks significant social gaps for many residents. Maria Elena Morera, of Causa en Común, highlighted irregular settlements in Benito Juarez with inadequate water, electricity, and transportation access, despite Cancún's growing infrastructure.

Morera pointed out that the lack of proper urban planning hinders the development of a city that benefits its inhabitants. She also stressed the importance of school, health, and security infrastructures for fostering a better quality of life.

Morera emphasized that increased investments and hotel rooms are not enough if the conditions of the residents are not improved. She called for a more balanced approach where the economic growth of Cancún reflects the well-being of its residents.

She also noted that more than half of Quintana Roo's population comes from other municipalities, entities within the country, or even abroad, representing a challenge in integrating communities and ensuring opportunities for those seeking a better quality of life.

Morera also addressed the issue of security, questioning the functioning of 11 municipal police in Quintana Roo and inconsistencies in official statistics. She stressed that security is closely tied to the social conditions in which the population lives.