Tourism falls at Mexico’s beach resorts as costs, seaweed and safety concerns weigh

• 

  Tourist numbers are falling at Mexico’s beach resorts, including Cancun, as stronger costs, seaweed and safety concerns weigh on visitors.

• 

  Cancun’s international airport recorded about 12% fewer international passengers in September than a year earlier.

• 

  Foreign arrivals to Mexico through the airport in January-August fell 1.9% year on year, while US visitors fell 5.8%.

• 

  The peso rose about 12% against the dollar over the past 18 months, making trips more expensive for foreign visitors.

• 

  Rising sea temperatures have contributed to sargassum seaweed that damages beaches and creates unpleasant odours, while security concerns have also deterred tourists.

• 

  Tourism accounts for about 8% of Mexico’s GDP, adding economic stakes to the downturn.

Who

Mexico’s beach resorts, including Cancun, and the tourists who visit them.

What

Tourist numbers are declining, with costs, sargassum seaweed and safety concerns cited as factors.

When

The reported declines include September and January-August 2026.

Where

Cancun and other Mexican coastal destinations, including Puerto Vallarta, San Jose del Cabo and Tulum.

Why

A stronger peso has raised travel costs, while seaweed and security concerns have affected visitors’ experience and confidence.

This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.