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Police officers in Cancun are stepping up efforts to clear illegal vendors from public beaches as part of the city’s annual summer safety campaign.
Beach vendors have been a ubiquitous sight in Cancun for years already, selling everything from refreshments to souvenirs.
However, as complaints over scams and counterfeit goods increase, officials are intensifying efforts to curb illegal practices and protect travelers.
With that in mind, here’s what Cancun is doing to tackle illegal beach vendors this summer.
Cancun’s Hotel Zone Seeing More Beach Vendors As Police Crack Down On Illegal Practices
Cancun’s record-shattering summer season is in full swing, with thousands of travelers flocking to the city’s beaches daily.
With travel numbers set to soar over the coming weeks, Cancun’s law enforcement is ramping up efforts to protect visitors from scams by illegal beach vendors.
While not all beach vendors engage in illicit sales tactics, traveler complaints over overpriced goods or even more serious scams have been on the rise, prompting officials to take a harder stance on the issue.
Last week, Cancun kicked off the annual summer vacation safety campaign, which sees the deployment of hundreds of troops to watch over summer travelers in the city and beyond.
In addition to acting as a deterrent to organized crime, hundreds of law enforcement officers will be paying close attention to petty crime affecting Cancun’s main touristy public beaches.
According to local media sources, up to 20 beach vendors are removed daily from Cancun’s Kukulcán Boulevard, the city’s main artery for travelers and a hub for local commerce.
Most of Cancun’s illegal beach vendors lack official licenses to sell goods and services, and some sell fake products and even excursions and guided tours.
In some cases, vendors may simply sell goods with a significant markup, but in more serious cases, they may try to lure travelers into purchasing fake excursions or holiday packages, potentially putting travelers at risk.
According to Jesús Alberto Ayuso Magana, the head of Cancun’s commercial services, most illegal beach vendors are located in Playa Deflines, Marlín, and Langosta beaches, which are among the city’s most popular attractions.
Mr. Magana added that, in some cases, illegal vendors operate from public parking areas, taking up space reserved for travelers and rental vehicles.
Another issue affecting the city is the lack of official licenses needed to sell goods & services legally. While many travelers may feel tempted to purchase refreshing drinks & snacks on a hot day, hygiene levels remain a concern.
While Cancun’s summer safety operation is expected to prevent the worst forms of crime from affecting travelers, it’s still important to be on guard when enjoying the city’s touristy areas.
Travelers are being told to purchase goods & services from physical stores or kiosks, which are more likely to comply with local safety & hygiene requirements.
When it comes to purchasing services like excursions and guided tours, visitors are better off arranging activities through their resort’s concierge.
Tech-savvy travelers can also use websites like Tripadvisor or Viator to book top-rated excursions, making sure to thoroughly check reviews.
Like Cancun, Playa del Carmen has also implemented measures to tackle illegal vendors on Fifth Avenue as part of a wider effort to make the area more walkable and safe. Expect to see more officers patrolling popular touristy areas in both cities this summer as travel numbers continue to boom.
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