Tulum

Tulum, Quintana Roo is a world-famous beach destination. For many, the town is the last on the Riviera Maya, but with a new airport, and two stations of the Tren Maya, the popularity of the place just keeps expanding. Only the giant Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve remains on this stretch of paradise coast when heading south after Tulum. The biosphere has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The archaeological remains of an ancient Maya city here are some of the closest to the sea. Towering over 12-meter cliffs, the ruins set the tone for the modern city although it was entirely abandoned by the Maya people in the 16th century. Today, Tulum is a place of stunning beaches, fantastic cenotes, and the kinds of vibrant lagoons that make the entire place feel enchanted and otherworldly. The modern tourist industry means the place is loaded with eateries and nightspots, but there is a lot that is authentic and meaningful for the cultural traveler too. 

The Tulum cenotes are some of the most celebrated on the Yucatan Peninsula, and many visitors arrive just to explore their unique landscape, and the wildlife to be found in the region. No fewer than 16 kilometers of white sand beaches mean that everyone finds a stretch all their own.Of course, Tulum is a beach town too. There is a town center, not far from the coast, and everything you could want from authentic Maya cooking to extra chanclas and beach gear is on hand. If the interior strikes your fancy, as it increasingly does, you need look no further.  People get to Tulum from the new Tulum international airport, and increasingly, on the Tren Maya from Cancun and the bigger airport there. Larger hotels will offer airport transport, but these are also easy to find in either airport. And as Tulum is increasingly appealing to those not in it for the resort experience, a range of affordable transport options has risen to meet the demand.Below are 37 strategic actions for Tulum, aimed at strengthening sustainable tourism development while preserving its natural and cultural heritage:​

Completed

1. Open and signpost public beach access points at Parque del Jaguar

2. Implement a distinctive pass allowing visitors free access to beaches within Parque del Jaguar

3. Implement a distinctive wristband for Tulum residents to access Parque del Jaguar free of charge

4. Ensure medical services and ambulance availability at Parque del Jaguar

5. Install a ramp and new accessibility signage at the Tulum Archaeological Zone

6. Publicize entrance fees in a timely manner at the three access points to Parque del Jaguar

7. Update the commercial platform, official website, and launch new promotional campaigns for Parque del Jaguar

In Progress

1. Strengthen air connectivity at Tulum International Airport

2. Design a Master Plan for Tourism Infrastructure

3. Develop the Local Ecological Land-Use Program and the Urban Development Program for Tulum’s town center in a coordinated manner

4. Restrict access to gasoline-powered vehicles within the Natural Protected Area (NPA)

5. Define new municipal infrastructure projects for the Tulum polygon

6. Implement the “Who’s Who” consumer protection program (Profeco) in Tulum

7. Establish unified ticket offices for access to Parque del Jaguar

8. Improve the traditional access route to Parque del Jaguar

9. Open a CONANP service desk for permits for new service providers

10. Promote the “Tulum Tourism Ambassadors” program

11. Integrate the Quintana Roo Tourism School Booklet into the state public basic education system

12. Verify and certify general and specialized tour guides in Tulum

13. Promote the “Destino Tulum” brand nationally and internationally

14. Establish a registry for new service providers within Parque del Jaguar

15. Implement a new Civil Protection Program at Parque del Jaguar

16. Install a Municipal Tourism Council

17. Include Tulum’s public beaches in the National ZOFEMAT Registry

18. Assess proposed free public beach access points in the hotel zone (ZOFEMAT)

19. Organize and regulate tourism service providers within Parque del Jaguar

20. Establish a maritime surveillance program at new public beach access points

21. Coordinate the regulation of tourism service providers across the municipality

22. Regulate non-hotel temporary lodging supply in Tulum

23. Continue promoting new public beach access points in Tulum’s hotel zone

24. Conduct inspection and oversight actions to guarantee the legal status of the NPA

25. Implement sanitary supervision in the artisan zone

26. Train and professionalize tourism service providers and tour guides

27. Promote tourism quality certifications for services and hotels

28. Create a unified tourism events calendar for cultural and sports activities in Tulum

29. Include the Quintana Roo Tourism Booklet on the VisitMexico website

30. Develop and distribute informational brochures about services and attractions at Parque del Jaguar