Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Resort Awarded ‘Playa Platino’ Status

Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Resort has received the prestigious “Playa Platino” designation from the Mexican Institute for Standardization and Certification (IMNC), reinforcing its reputation as one of the Mexican Caribbean’s leading sustainable tourism destinations.

This new honor adds to the resort’s existing Level III Clean and Sustainable Beach certification, the highest level granted annually in Mexico. With this recognition, the resort strengthens its position as a model for responsible coastal management.

The “Playa Platino” designation was created to encourage progressive environmental stewardship among beach destinations. However, Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Resort surpassed expectations by immediately meeting the program’s most rigorous criteria, rather than progressing through the program gradually.

The official award ceremony took place on March 20, 2025, at the resort and was led by Fernando Solís Mata, Commercial Manager, and Francisco Pérez Herrera, Innovation Manager at IMNC.

“This recognition is the reflection of our daily commitment to the environment, our guests, and local communities. It is a source of pride that our beach meets the highest national standards,” said Ignacio Subías, Country Manager Mexico, upon receiving the certification.

According to national environmental standards, only 267 recreational beaches across Mexico are eligible for certification—out of more than 11,500 kilometers of national coastline.

The recognition comes at a time when marine pollution remains a critical issue. According to Forbes, more than 6.4 million tons of waste end up in Mexican oceans every year, with 90% made up of plastic.

Unlike certifications that focus solely on cleanliness, Playa Platino evaluates a broader set of criteria, including beach infrastructure, safety, water quality, environmental education, and biodiversity conservation. Bahia Principe achieved this designation thanks to a robust and long-standing environmental management system already in place for several years.

“This certification represents external validation of our internal efforts. We are committed to maintaining beaches that are not only beautiful but also sustainable for future generations,” said Arantxa Munuera, General Director of the resort, who was also present at the award ceremony.

The achievement aligns with the environmental strategies of the municipalities of Tulum and Solidaridad, both considered leaders in the implementation of the Playa Platino program. As with other certified beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, this designation ensures safe, clean, and well-equipped coastal environments for both visitors and the local community.