Cozumel Businesses Face Crisis During Low Season: What You Need to Know

The single most useful takeaway: Cozumel businesses are struggling due to a drop in tourists during the low season, and urgent action is needed to support local commerce and employment.

What's Changing

According to Eduardo Morales, president of the National Chamber of Commerce (Canaco) on Cozumel, the low season is already impacting local businesses. With a decline in visitor arrivals, sales are down, and this is causing financial pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

He warns that if the situation persists, some businesses might struggle to cover their expenses and could even face job losses. To address this, Morales advocates for economic incentives and promotional campaigns to boost local consumption and tourist arrivals.

What It Means for Residents

The situation is particularly challenging for expats and digital nomads living in or near Cozumel, as local businesses are a significant part of the community's economic fabric. The decline in tourism means fewer jobs and less revenue for local businesses, which can affect the overall quality of life for residents.

What’s Being Done

Bernardo Cueto Riestra, head of the State Tourism Secretariat (Sedetur), recently participated in the third session of the Cozumel Tourism Advisory Council 2026. During this meeting, the progress on the comprehensive intervention project for the boardwalk was discussed. This project, promoted by the Trust for the Well-Being of Cruise Tourism in Quintana Roo (FICQROO), is currently in the socialization stage with various community sectors.

These efforts are crucial to address the challenges faced by local businesses and ensure the sustainability of the tourism industry in Cozumel. However, more needs to be done to provide immediate relief to businesses and their employees.