Cancún Earns 53 Blue Flag Certifications for 2026-2027, Leads Mexico and World in Certified Vessels

Blue Flag ceremony in Cancun with officials and flags

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Cancún has once again solidified its position as a leading sustainable tourism destination, earning 53 Blue Flag certifications for the 2026-2027 season. The city retains the most certified sites in Mexico and holds the top international ranking for certified vessels.

During the flag-raising and accreditation ceremony, Juan Pablo de Zulueta Razo, the municipal tourism secretary, highlighted the joint effort between the Benito Juárez municipal government and the private sector to maintain the highest environmental and service standards.

This year’s tally includes 49 renewals and four new certifications, distributed among 7 public beaches, 6 hotels, and 40 vessels.

New additions to the program include the Le Blanc and Hilton Mar Caribe hotels, as well as two vessels from Cancún Sailing, which received the international recognition for the first time.

The Blue Flag designation, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE Mexico), certifies compliance with 33 international criteria covering water quality, environmental management, environmental education, safety, and services for visitors and tourists.

With this achievement, Cancún strengthens its image as a destination committed to sustainability, conservation of natural resources, and excellence in the tourist experience.

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By Laura Castillo

Laura Castillo covers tourism, business, and economic development across Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the wider Riviera Maya for Riviera Maya News & Events. She tracks the region's most important business stories — from hotel investments and airline route expansions to real estate market trends and local economic policy — helping English-speaking readers stay informed about the economic pulse of Mexico's Caribbean coast.Laura has been reporting on Quintana Roo's tourism sector since 2020, closely monitoring developments in Cancun's hotel zone, Tulum's rapidly growing commercial corridor, and the evolving business landscape in Playa del Carmen. Her coverage includes corporate investments, employment trends, infrastructure projects, and the economic impact of events like sargassum seasons and hurricane preparation.Before joining Riviera Maya News & Events, Laura worked in business development and market analysis in the Riviera Maya region, giving her first-hand insight into how tourism, real estate, and local commerce intersect. She is fluent in English and Spanish.For story tips: laura@rivieramayanews.mx