The impact of the Tren Maya on Tulum is poised to revolutionize this picturesque Mexican destination, renowned for its ancient ruins and crystal-clear waters. With the upcoming completion of the Tren Maya and a new airport, Tulum’s tourism and real estate markets are on the verge of significant transformation.
Tourism Growth and Economic Impact
Far Homes, a global housing platform, projects that the opening of the Tren Maya and the new airport will boost tourism arrivals in Tulum by 10% by 2025. In 2023, Tulum welcomed over 1.6 million tourists, and this number is projected to rise to more than 2.2 million visitors due to these new infrastructure developments.
Far Homes predicts that the enhanced accessibility provided by the Tren Maya and the new airport will draw an additional 600,000 visitors to Tulum. This surge in tourism will likely have a significant positive impact on the local economy and the real estate market, driving demand for properties and potentially increasing property values.
Real Estate Boom and Development Concerns
The government, under the leadership of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, expects a 10% annual increase in both international and domestic visitors to Tulum. Growing interest in the Yucatán Peninsula has already driven a surge in real estate demand, further increasing property values in the region.
President López Obrador’s administration marked a significant milestone with the start of construction on the first segment of the Tren Maya. They completed a 473-kilometer stretch featuring fourteen stations, which they celebrated as a major achievement. With ticket sales underway and the first Tren Maya journeys set to begin on December 16, anticipation for this transformative project is high.
The Potential Risks of Rapid Development
Despite the optimism surrounding these developments, Ian Poot Franco, a lecturer at the Universidad Intercontinental and a tourism industry expert, cautions about the potential risks of a real estate bubble. He warns that the allure of the expansive 4,000-kilometer Tren Maya network, which connects the states of Yucatán, Campeche, and Tabasco, could lead to speculative real estate purchases. These purchases could result in abandoned developments along the Tren Maya stations if buyers cannot resell properties—a trend observed in some European regions.
As Tulum prepares to embrace the Tren Maya and the new airport, the town faces a crossroads where it must balance growth opportunities with the need for sustainable and thoughtful development. While these infrastructure advancements could usher in a new era for Tulum, careful planning is essential to ensure long-term prosperity and preserve the town’s unique character and appeal.
→ Explore our detailed guide on real estate investment opportunities in Tulum during peak travel seasons.
