Tulum Moves Forward with Airport Despite Ecological Destruction and Poor Infrastructure

one of the only streets in Tulum Beach

Tulum is known as one of the most naturally beautiful and well-known destinations for people from all over the world. The beautiful beaches, “eco-friendly” lifestyle, low cost of goods, and abundance of culture make the Mexican town a perfect paradise destination. But there is an ugly truth that's being ignored.


Since 2010, Tulum has seen an explosive 65% rise in its population, a direct result of the growing appeal to tourists, expats, investors, and floating residents such as rave enthusiasts and digital nomads alike. This once-quaint Mexican village is gradually losing its authenticity, evolving into a bustling tourist magnet.

Tourists visiting the Tulum ruinshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/

To cater to the influx, Mexico is carving space for a new gateway: the Tulum International Airport, expected to be functional by December 2023. Leading airlines Aeromexico and Viva Aerobus are already prepping their inaugural routes. However, the proximity to the well-established Cancun International Airport has raised eyebrows. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) worries about the potential market risks and questions the necessity of another airport a mere few hours apart.

As the buzz around the airport grows, so do the concerns. Local news outlet Animal Político paints a grim picture: over a million trees are set to be axed to make way for the airport, alongside plans for an adjoining military base.

But the environmental distress doesn't end there. The airport's location is problematic—it's atop the Holbox Fracture Zone, with underground rivers coursing beneath. Adding to the conundrum is the nearby Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Experts fear that the subsequent noise and environmental pollution might inflict irreparable damage to the aquifer, local flora and fauna, and even migratory birds.

Amidst these looming threats, there's an ironic revelation: while an airport finds approval, Tulum still awaits proper wastewater treatment, consistent internet and cellphone coverage, new roads, and reliable power sources. The town mainly operates off-the-grid, harnessing power from wind turbines, solar panels, and diesel generators, making blackouts a frequent occurrence.

Tourists visiting one of Tulum's beacheshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/

Many of these concerns, unfortunately, fall by the wayside as they predominantly affect locals rather than tourists. Among these is the threat to Tulum's distinct cenotes, the natural freshwater sinkholes. Haphazard and rapid urbanization endanger these precious water bodies, and the lack of proper wastewater treatment in numerous establishments exacerbates the risk of pollution to both the cenotes and the surrounding ocean.

Tulum's rapid metamorphosis from a tranquil beach haven to a global hotspot has triggered grave environmental repercussions, not to mention the economic windfall of tourism often overlooks the rising living costs, pushing locals out of their ancestral homes and eroding their traditional livelihoods.

Tulum's beauty is its blessing and its curse. The town stands at a crossroads, with the promise of economic prosperity on one side and the looming shadows of environmental degradation on the other. The balance between development and preservation will dictate whether Tulum remains a dream destination or becomes a cautionary tale.

LDC Latina Initiative group photo
LDC Latina Initiative Press

The Latino Donor Collaborative launched the LDC Latina Initiative in New York City on November 19th, 2024. The history-making initiative aims to empower Latinas through cutting-edge reports, impactful events, and transformative programs. It also serves to uplift Latina voices and pave the way for a new era of leadership and innovation. The initiative comes at a crucial time, as recent economic data highlights the immense and growing impact of Latinas on the U.S. economy and culture.


Keep ReadingShow less
latina woman looking tired

Kinkeeping refers to all activities related to maintaining family relationships, passing down traditions, and remembering the family’s heritage. This includes things like cooking, sharing food recipes, teaching stories, crafts and duties, contacting family members, and even organizing events to keep in touch with relatives.

Keep ReadingShow less
latino family having dinner

Thanksgiving is such a weird holiday.

As far as my knowledge goes, not a lot of people in Latin America celebrate it but many are aware of this U.S. holiday. As a native Salvadoran, growing up I remember that I thought it was weird to have a holiday that’s a day to just be thankful. We perceived it differently. Later I realized what Thanksgiving actually commemorated: a day to celebrate, but to celebrate how European colonizers had taken advantage of Native Americans.

Keep ReadingShow less