Grupo Xcaret Founder Miguel Quintana Pali Inducted Into IAAPA Hall of Fame

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has inducted Miguel Quintana Pali, founder of Grupo Xcaret, into its 2026 Hall of Fame, recognizing his sustainable entertainment model in Quintana Roo.

IAAPA said Quintana Pali transformed the entertainment industry by creating a destination model that integrates nature, culture, sustainability and hospitality. His career showed that environmental stewardship and cultural identity can go hand in hand with commercial success in the tourism sector, the association said.

Career and Expansion of Grupo Xcaret

Born in Boston in 1946 to a father from Puebla and a Hawaiian mother, Quintana Pali studied architecture at Universidad Iberoamericana. His business career in the state includes key milestones:

• 1986: Founded Promotora Xcaret.
• 1989: Businessmen Oscar, Marcos and Carlos Constandse joined as partners.
• 1990: Xcaret Park officially opened at the end of the year.

The group currently operates Xcaret Park, Xel-Há Park, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xoximilco and Xenses; the Xenotes and Xichén divisions; the Xailing cruise line; and Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte and La Casa de la Playa.

International Recognition

This award adds to previous distinctions from the global association. In 2018, Xcaret Park received the Liseberg Applause Award as the world’s best park. In May 2026, Hotel Xcaret Mexico hosted the IAAPA Honors event.

At the same 2026 ceremony, Rodrigo Quintana received the Regional Young Professional Award for the Xurreal Innovation division and the Manos Xuaves project. The company’s longtime partners, the Constandse brothers, have also collected tourism awards including World Travel Awards.

The official induction ceremony for the 2026 Hall of Fame class will take place Nov. 16 during IAAPA Legends in Orlando, Florida. Proceeds from the event will benefit the IAAPA Foundation scholarship program.