Playa del Carmen Leads in Sustainable Tourism Transformation

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — The Municipal Government of Playa del Carmen, led by Mayor Estefanía Mercado, has formally established the Commission for Sustainable Tourism to advance a new tourism model centered on sustainability, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship. The commission, inaugurated during a session at the Leona Vicario Hall of the New Municipal Palace, will coordinate efforts among authorities, private stakeholders, civil society, and environmental experts.

A Collaborative Framework for Sustainable Growth

Karla Gómez Zenteno was sworn in as the commission’s lead coordinator during the ceremony, which also introduced the 2025 Work Program and the guiding principles for the initiative. The plan outlines a cross-cutting strategy to reshape tourism development in Playa del Carmen with a focus on long-term responsibility.

Key projects include:

• The development of micro-tourism routes, emphasizing rural and community-based tourism.
• The design of an Inclusive Tourism Route, slated for launch in 2026.
• The implementation of the Sustainable Tourism Roadmap 2024–2027, a strategic framework for medium- and long-term planning.
• Environmental education and marine conservation initiatives, including protections for species such as the bull shark.
• Strengthening the local economy by integrating farmers, artisans, and community suppliers into tourism value chains.

A Shift Toward Regenerative Tourism

Municipal Tourism Secretary Estefanía Hernández, who presided over the session, emphasized that the commission reflects Mayor Mercado’s commitment to fostering a more conscious, participatory, and resilient tourism model. "We aim to welcome visitors with a focus on sustainability and responsibility," Hernández stated.

Karla Gómez Zenteno called for a transition from traditional tourism to a regenerative approach that actively contributes to social well-being and environmental conservation. "This plan includes short-, medium-, and long-term actions, prioritizing food self-sufficiency, social cohesion, and biodiversity," she explained.

Institutionalizing Sustainable Practices

The commission approved a calendar of regular meetings and an Activity Program for 2024–2027, which will serve as a roadmap for policy implementation and monitoring.

With this initiative, Playa del Carmen reaffirms its commitment to tourism as an engine of development—one that aligns with principles of sustainability, equity, and social justice to meet the present and future needs of the city.