Sargassum becomes a national problem

The number of tourists is declining considerably in Cancún and the Riviera Maya due to the abundant Sargassum seaweed covering its beaches and shores. The invasive algae is causing serious problems for tourism in the Mexican Caribbean.

Insecurity is also a determining factor in the decline in visitors to Mexico‘s most iconic tourist destinations, but not as much as the Sargassum seaweed. This is confirmed by authorities and business owners in the sector, though more privately than publicly.

The abundance of this dreaded seaweed is causing great concern throughout the Caribbean, including, of course, the Dominican Republic’s most popular destinations, as it affects not only Punta Cana and Bávaro. The plague is worsening every year.

Very few beaches in the eastern region are spared from the destructive and foul-smelling Sargassum, including those in Bayahibe and the surrounding area. However, tourists often don’t differentiate between the various tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic.

Frank Rainieri, the undisputed leader of the country’s tourism industry and a decidedly non-extremist, has sounded the alarm about this serious problem and has asked the Dominican Government not to delay its action plan against Sargassum any longer and to act immediately.

Today, combating this problem is just as important as resolving the water supply issues in Punta Cana and Bávaro. The Government is taking too long to address this issue, and the delay could be very damaging for the area and for a country that depends on tourism.

The Sargassum issue is difficult to resolve, but preventative measures must be implemented as soon as possible to avoid greater problems, as is happening in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.