Fonatur Weighs Tourism Infrastructure Projects in Punta Allen

Punta Allen, Quintana Roo — Federal, state and environmental officials joined local residents on a technical research visit to Punta Allen to evaluate potential tourism infrastructure projects in the Maya Ka’an destination, including a possible rehabilitation of the town’s docks.

The delegation was led by the National Fund for Tourism Development (Fonatur). Rocío Moreno Mendoza, director of the organization Amigos de Sian Ka’an, said Fonatur presented several project proposals to the Maya Ka’an Destination Management Organization that could take shape in 2027, as part of efforts to strengthen community-based tourism.

Moreno Mendoza said the proposals remain under evaluation, so their technical viability must still be verified in the field and the community must reach consensus on the works being proposed.

The group toured Punta Allen to hear residents’ views and to identify needs and opportunities for improving tourism services in the area. Rehabilitation of the docks stands out among the proposals under review.

The visit included representatives of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp), the Quintana Roo Tourism Department (Sedetur), Fonatur, Amigos de Sian Ka’an and community members.

Officials said the aim is for tourism growth to follow a model in which residents themselves manage services and share directly in the economic benefits, while environmental conservation remains a priority.

The participants also stressed the importance of protecting emblematic species of the region, such as the manatee and the Caribbean lobster, so that new tourism options remain compatible with the preservation of local ecosystems.

Moreno Mendoza said the work is intended to advance the consolidation of Maya Ka’an as a community tourism destination, through projects designed together with local residents and guided by sustainability criteria.