Isla Mujeres Honors Tourism Excellence with New Awards

Isla Mujeres — With the firm purpose of recognizing those who, through their daily work, strengthen the economic, social, and sustainable development of the destination, the municipal government led by Mayor Atenea Gómez Ricalde held the first edition of the Municipal Tourism Award “Sirenas del Paraíso 2025.”

“I have always said that the growth of Isla Mujeres has been possible thanks to the effort of our people, who have known how to combine hospitality, quality service, and a deep respect for the traditions that give life to our destination,” highlighted the island mayor.

“Today we recognize women and men who work with dedication and make it possible for our destination to continue growing in an orderly, humane, and sustainable manner,” added Atenea Gómez.

Service providers, pioneers, entrepreneurs, and representatives from various sectors who have contributed to building responsible, humane, and quality tourism in Isla Mujeres gathered at the event.

“Sirenas del Paraíso” was born with the purpose of consolidating itself as an institutional tradition that celebrates hospitality, innovation, and the preservation of island roots.

Award Categories and Winners

In this first edition, awards were presented in twelve categories that reflected the diversity of the tourism sector.

• In Young Tourism Entrepreneurs, Lesly Trejo Gómez was recognized.
• In Nautical or Adventure Experience, Marcelo Cupul.
• As Best Room Attendant, Noemí Coto Figarola.
• In Best Rated Gastronomic Experience, Lancheros La Casa del Tikinxik.
• As Artisan Promoter, Justo Rosales.
• As Best Traditional Cook, Manuela Palma Jiménez.
• As Best Waiter, William Basto Chacón.
• And as Best Taxi Driver, José Morales Guzmán.

The Best Cultural or Community Experience award went to Cruizes Food Tours, represented by José del Carmen Gómez; in Sustainable Tourism, the Kab-Xooc Cooperative was distinguished; as Tourism Service Provider of the Year, Ixchel Valdez Palma; and in Island Tourism Excellence, the Hotel Mia.

Special Pioneer Recognitions

As a central part of the ceremony, special recognitions were given to pioneers who, with vision and dedication, paved the way in the municipality’s tourism activity.

• Ignacio Peón Molina was recognized as Pioneer Permit Holder for Whale Shark Watching.
• In the Maritime Transport category, the service historically provided by Transportes Marítimos Magaña, received by Mrs. Arminda Magaña Carrillo.
• And as Pioneer Restaurateurs, Mrs. Teresa Martínez Magaña and Mr. Jorge Gómez Castilla.

Tribute was also paid to the work of Fidel Villanueva Madrid for his contribution to the tourist, cultural, and heritage promotion of the municipality; to Mr. José Magaña Castro for establishing the first diving equipment store; to Mrs. Enriqueta Morris for creating the first local tourism magazine “Islander,” a recognition received by Marie Jeanette Ávila Morris; and to Mr. Agustín Valdez Sosa “Don Tino,” pioneer of the first bicycle rental service, whose recognition was received by Manuel Valdez Sánchez.

The Government of Isla Mujeres stated that this first edition marks the beginning of a tradition that will be repeated year after year to continue recognizing excellence and promoting orderly, responsible, and sustainable tourism.