New tourism model urged in Quintana Roo

Cenotes near Tulum are a prime tourism draw, but tests show pollutants ranging from pesticides to amphetamines have reached the underground karst water sources that connect them. (Photo by Laura Tillman)

The Mexican state of Quintana Roo is drawing ever-growing legions of international tourists attracted to its aquamarine waters and white-sand beaches—the ideal antidote, in their view, to the cold and congestion of home cities ranging from Beijing, China to Manchester, England. But scientists and green-advocacy groups warn that these assets are being threatened by environmentally destructive development patterns driving growth of the state’s coastal resort communities, the best-known of which is Cancún. They point to such signs as untreated wastewater flowing into wildlife habitats and diesel generators powering hotels in so-called “eco” destinations like Tulum, a growing beachside town that serves as a jumping off point for visits to Mayan archaeological sites. The very attributes that draw visitors to... Read more →