IN-PERSON Lisbon Livable Cities. Section B

Abstract

As of 2024, tourism has become the dominant economic force in Tulum, Mexico, significantly reducing traditional trades like fishing and textiles (World Trade Organization, 2016). This transition has had mixed consequences. While tourism has generated employment and improved infrastructure, it has also led to economic vulnerability, environmental degradation, social segregation, and cultural erosion (Domínguez et al., 2021; Vázquez, 2024). The reliance on tourism exposes Tulum to global market fluctuations and seasonal variations, undermining economic stability. This study examines the economic and urban transformation of Tulum, transitioning from a self-reliant multi-economic system to a predominantly tourism-driven economy (INEGI, 2016). This shift has altered the usage of natural resources and the city’s urban zoning. As tourism grew, many locals had to change trades or leave the municipality due to the shift in resource use—from fishing hotspots to trendy swimming and real estate areas—changing local practices and livelihoods. To better understand this phenomenon, we will conduct a systematic literature review and analyze official data from the government of Mexico (INEGI). This data will help us investigate the extent to which tourism has supplanted traditional economic activities and explore its socioeconomic impacts on the city’s organization. Special attention will be given to the effects of shifting spaces from subsistence-based to tourism-focused, and the resulting impact on local livelihoods.