Despite 2025 proving to be a difficult year on multiple fronts, including public security, business leaders in Tulum report measurable progress driven by stronger coordination among government levels and closer engagement with the community, according to Julio Sacramento Vera, president of Alianza Empresarial Tulum A.C..
In an interview conducted this month, Sacramento Vera said that while security remains a major concern, there is a growing perception of openness and cooperation from state and municipal authorities. That shift, he noted, has helped improve communication channels and strengthen crime prevention efforts across the municipality.
“There has clearly been an improvement in the work and coordination between different levels of government,” he said. “There is more engagement with the community, although there is still a great deal left to do.”
Improved coordination but persistent challenges
Sacramento Vera acknowledged that security issues continue to affect daily life and business operations in Tulum. However, he emphasized that the current environment differs from previous years due to a more structured and consistent dialogue between authorities and civil society.
According to the business leader, this coordination has allowed for quicker information sharing and better alignment of prevention strategies. He stressed that such progress does not eliminate crime but helps reduce its impact and improve response capacity.
The Alianza Empresarial Tulum A.C., which represents a broad segment of the local productive sector, has focused much of its engagement on prevention rather than reaction, particularly regarding crimes under local jurisdiction.
Citizen participation seen as key obstacle
One of the most significant hurdles, Sacramento Vera said, is overcoming fear and reluctance among residents and business owners to report crimes. He explained that authorities are often expected to act without sufficient information, limiting their effectiveness.
“There is a tendency to demand results from authorities without providing them with the information they need,” he said. “Breaking the fear of reporting and encouraging citizen participation is essential.”
To address this issue, the business alliance holds quarterly working meetings with the state Secretariat of Citizen Security and local police forces. These sessions aim to build trust, encourage transparency, and promote shared responsibility between authorities and the community.
Training and prevention initiatives
Sacramento Vera described the quarterly security roundtables as productive and practical, noting that they go beyond operational discussions. Through these meetings, business representatives receive training on social crime prevention, domestic violence, workplace violence, and child exploitation.
“These are topics that are sometimes taken for granted,” he said. “But small changes in awareness and behavior can generate positive impacts.”
The training sessions, he added, have helped businesses identify early warning signs and adopt preventive measures that reduce risks before incidents escalate.
Official data and business focus
Regarding high-impact crimes, Sacramento Vera acknowledged that official reports indicate a decline in recent months. He cautioned, however, that the business sector remains primarily focused on reducing common crimes that directly affect daily operations, employees, and customers.
“The numbers are there,” he said. “We know negative news will always exist, and crime cannot be completely eradicated. What matters is reducing it to levels that do not undermine society’s confidence to work and invest.”
He added that sustained reductions, even if gradual, are critical for maintaining economic activity and preserving Tulum’s reputation as a place to live, work, and visit.
Perception of insecurity remains
Despite reported improvements, Sacramento Vera acknowledged that public perception of insecurity has not fully subsided. He attributed this partly to the broader national context, where intensified efforts against organized crime can initially trigger violent reactions.
“In many cases, when there is a stronger push against crime, the first stage brings resistance,” he said. “That affects how people perceive security, even when structural improvements are underway.”
Still, he expressed confidence that consistent work and continued coordination would eventually translate into improved public perception, provided efforts are maintained over time.
Economic pressures compound concerns
Security is not the only factor weighing on the business community’s outlook. Sacramento Vera said that 2025 has been shaped by a combination of economic uncertainty, fluctuations in tourism, and the persistent impact of sargassum on the Caribbean coastline.
These pressures, he noted, have prevented a full sense of stability among entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, he urged business owners to remain engaged with authorities and to voice their perspectives so public decisions better reflect the needs of the productive sector.
“There is no complete peace of mind right now,” he said. “But withdrawing from dialogue only weakens our ability to influence solutions.”
Looking ahead to 2026 and global events
Despite the challenges of 2025, Sacramento Vera expressed optimism for 2026, citing expectations of increased economic activity linked to the FIFA World Cup. Although Quintana Roo will not host matches, he anticipates a significant influx of visitors through Cancun International Airport.
“Many people coming to Mexico will want to visit Quintana Roo and Tulum,” he said. “I have faith and positive expectations for 2026.”
He added that sustained improvements in security will be essential to fully capitalize on this opportunity and to ensure that increased tourism translates into lasting economic benefits.
What remains at stake
As Tulum navigates the aftermath of a difficult year, the balance between improved security coordination and persistent public concern remains delicate. Continued collaboration between authorities, businesses, and residents will be central to determining whether recent gains can be consolidated. The experience of 2025 underscores how closely security, economic confidence, and community participation are intertwined in shaping Tulum’s future security outlook.
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