In several tourist destinations across Mexico, free access to beaches —spaces that by law are national public goods— has become increasingly restricted. In some stretches of the country there is barely one public access point for every 100 kilometers of coastline, a reality that makes it difficult for local communities and visitors to enjoy these spaces without limitations.
Against this backdrop, Tecate launched Acceso Playa Tecate, an initiative designed to enable free, dignified and open entrances for anyone who wants to enjoy the ocean in Tulum.
The project not only facilitates access to the beach, but also sparks a broader conversation about the public nature of these spaces and the importance of preserving open access for everyone. It also acts as an incentive to attract more tourism to a region that has recently faced reputational challenges.
Open beaches, with no purchase required
One of the most distinctive aspects of the initiative is that it does not require any purchase or consumption to enter. Visitors can bring their own food, drinks, or recreational items, ensuring truly open access.
Even people consuming products from other brands can use these access points, a decision that reinforces the community-driven approach behind the project.
Currently, two public access points are already available in Tulum, located at Coco Unlimited and Villa Las Estrellas, allowing visitors to reach the beach directly without economic restrictions.
Reclaiming the beach as a shared space
The goal of Acceso Playa Tecate is to reconnect communities and visitors with beaches as places for gathering, social interaction and shared enjoyment.
The initiative was developed in collaboration with hospitality venues and local authorities, aiming to demonstrate that public access can coexist with tourism, environmental respect and responsible coexistence.
According to Esteban Velasco, Director of Tecate, the proposal reflects a long-term vision for the use of public spaces.
“Acceso Playa Tecate reflects our ongoing commitment to stand with Mexicans and promote actions that generate real impact. We believe that free access to beaches can coexist with a culture of responsibility and respect.”
Beyond physical access, the initiative also reinforces the idea that beaches remain social meeting points, where local communities, visitors and tourists can interact on equal terms.
Environmental responsibility as part of the project
In addition to opening access, the initiative incorporates environmental actions promoted by HEINEKEN México, the company that owns the Tecate brand. Recycling and waste-sorting containers will be installed at the access points, integrated into an organized system for responsible waste collection and management.
The goal is to ensure that open access to beaches also encourages a culture of environmental care, promoting responsible practices among visitors.
A project that begins in Tulum and aims to expand
The launch of Acceso Playa Tecate in Tulum represents the first step in a broader strategy focused on opening public spaces in Mexico’s tourist destinations.
According to Fabián Ruiz, Commercial Director for the Southeast at HEINEKEN México, the initiative aims to create a constructive dialogue around the use of these spaces.
“Through this initiative we aim to collaborate with hospitality venues and local stakeholders to facilitate open access and promote respectful coexistence with the environment.”
During this year, the plan is to enable three public access points in Quintana Roo, beginning in Tulum and later expanding the model to other coastal destinations across Mexico.
When the private sector promotes public access
Acceso Playa Tecate joins a growing conversation taking place in several tourist destinations across Mexico: how to guarantee that beaches remain accessible to everyone. In this case, a private-sector initiative seeks to act as a catalyst, promoting practical solutions that preserve the public nature of Mexico’s coastline.
And speaking of competition, Corona, together with the agency Grey Brasil, launched the initiative The Sun Reserve, which aims to preserve sunlight reaching beaches surrounded by tall buildings and hotels that block it. For this project, Piedade Beach in Pernambuco, Brazil, was selected to create the solar reserve. The brand is leasing land in front of the beach to limit building height and prevent sunlight obstruction, ensuring the sun continues reaching the sand and beachgoers.
In Mexico —a country with more than 11,000 kilometers of coastline— the discussion around beach access continues to grow. Initiatives like this seek to remind us of something essential: the sea, the sun, the beach and natural spaces do not belong to a few. Opening access —literally— may be the first step toward changing the conversation.
Keep reading:
-
Corona Creates the World’s First Sun Reserve
-
Tecate Light launches special edition with Gulf of Mexico salt
-
Tecate Light wins Outdoor Gold at Cannes Lions 2025
-
Tecate Emblema returns with major artists on May 16 and 17
-
Tecate relaunches iconic beer: what it is, when it goes on sale and where
-
Tecate Pa’l Norte 2026: dates, early-bird tickets and everything you need to know
