Mahahual’s 2026 Tourism Projects Funded by Cruise Fee

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Since last year, the State Tourism Secretariat (Sedetur) has been working with the Othón P. Blanco municipal government on projects to be developed in Mahahual using part of the resources obtained through a $5 fee charged to cruise passengers. These funds are administered by a Trust that ultimately approves the works that will improve tourism infrastructure in this destination.

In this regard, Sedetur Undersecretary Omar Govea Hernández stated that they have already presented to the municipal government and the Costa Maya business sector the proposals that will be consolidated in 2026, which will focus on improving the urban image and enhancing the quality of services provided there.

“From this resource, precisely, funds will be allocated this year for several projects, mostly tourism infrastructure in Mahahual. Since last year, we have been working on the executive project to have the technical files, and we presented the progress to the municipality and gathered opinions from business owners and the tourism sector to provide feedback so that investments align with what is needed. The final amount is not yet available because we are still finalizing the projects to determine the amounts that will be allocated,” Govea Hernández explained.

He clarified that the investment projection is based on estimated collections, with expectations of approximately 500 million pesos this year. He noted that only 70% corresponds to this category and that these resources are applied to both Cozumel and Mahahual, though he omitted providing the specific amount that would ultimately go to the latter, as amounts can only be discussed once proposals are approved.

“This year’s budget was projected at 500 million pesos, which would be applied to everything related to Cozumel and Othón P. Blanco under the structure of 30% to the fund and 70% to projects. Resources have already been allocated for cleaning services in 2025, equipment was delivered for sargassum management, and work continues in that direction. For this year, we will see the improvement of the urban image by concluding the projects and allocating resources. Projects are presented to the committee, and based on priorities, they are authorized,” the official added.

Despite the official’s insistence that both destinations receive investments in infrastructure, security, and even improvements to garbage collection services, all indications suggest that Cozumel has received a larger share of resources from the cruise passenger fee due to works currently underway, while Mahahual continues to await the realization of projects aimed at generating economic development and improving residents’ quality of life.