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Playa Del Carmen Officials Launch Inspections To Improve Tourist Safety

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Officials in the popular resort hotspot of Playa del Carmen have proactively launched a series of inspections across many of the city’s vacation rentals to improve visitor safety.

downtown view in playa del carmen with travelers

The move is part of a wider regional effort to make Airbnbs and other similar accommodations safer for travelers. In 2024, online rentals will become more popular than ever, thanks to new legislation to tackle scams and improve safety.

Playa del Carmen is not only an extremely popular destination for its resorts but also its growing inventory of vacation rentals, especially around the city’s vibrant downtown areas.

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With 2024 looking to be an excellent year for vacation rentals across the Mexican Caribbean, here’s the latest on new safety measures being applied in Playa del Carmen.

New Wave Of Inspections Announced To Ensure Compliance With Safety Regulations

2024 has gotten off to an excellent start across Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean. The launching of the Maya Train railway system as well as other key infrastructure projects are contributing to making the sun-soaked region more popular than ever. 

One of the trendiest destinations for travelers in the Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo this winter is Playa del Carmen. A popular alternative to Cancun and Tulum, this quaint city destination is ideal for travelers seeking a cultural retreat amid stunning beaches and lively streets.

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While all-inclusives remain the most popular choice for travelers in Playa del Carmen, vacation rentals are quickly catching up, especially as travelers seek new ways to experience life like locals.

And while vacation rentals have surged in popularity in the Mexican Caribbean – with nearly 60,000 available in 2023 alone – these accommodations come with some notable downsides. 

A lack of proper safety regulations as well as crime-prone locations can put travelers at risk. But a new safety campaign by Playa del Carmen officials aims to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing vacation rentals in the sunny destination. 

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According to Alberto Vázquez Oropeza, authorities have begun a series on inspections to detect gas leaks and other technical faults that are being reported in the coastal hotspot. 

In a media interview, the official added that in some areas, up to 75% of vacation rentals have undetected gas leaks, greatly increasing the risk of fires and other incidents. 

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For now, officials are merely urging landlords to participate voluntarily in the new inspection scheme. Although civil protection experts have detected a worrying number of technical faults in Playa del Carmen rentals, no fines or other sanctions have been issued – for now.

The measure is just one of many currently being taken by Playa del Carmen officials together with state authorities to shore up the safety of vacation rentals. This year, Quintana Roo will continue to implement a host of new laws to tighten regulations for online rentals, including a new framework that obliges landlords to sign up to a regional registry. 

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Travelers can currently opt for thousands of online rentals in Playa del Carmen alone, with hundreds found scattered throughout downtown Playa, especially in the vicinity of Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida). 

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While online rentals in the coastal hotspot are generally safe, travelers should follow some essential tips when booking an Airbnb in the popular destination. When it comes to vacation rentals, location is everything, which is why visitors are urged to choose touristy, centrally-located areas for their next getaway. 

Another key tip is to opt for verified properties with excellent reviews, making sure that they have been given in the past several months.

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