Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has authorized the construction and operation of ‘Proyecto Venado,’ a new tourism and real estate development south of Playa del Carmen, in an area surrounded by natural protected zones.
The project, promoted by Residencial Punta Venado, includes a complex with 108 hotel rooms, 50 special suites, and 33 residences, plus supporting infrastructure such as a wastewater treatment plant, a reverse osmosis plant, internal roads, and artificial water bodies.
According to the Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) submitted to federal authorities in September 2024, the development will be located in the Punta Venado-Paamul corridor, covering more than 111 hectares. The developer says only 16.8 hectares — 15% of the property — will be occupied, while the rest will maintain its original vegetation cover.
The land sits between two major conservation areas: the Caribe Mexicano Biosphere Reserve and the Felipe Carrillo Puerto Flora and Fauna Protection Area, drawing criticism from environmental groups concerned about the expansion of tourism projects in the region.
The new development is adjacent to the Punta Inna property, where Semarnat recently approved the ‘Complejo Ecoturístico Riviera Maya’ project, which plans two hotels with a total of 572 rooms.
In its justification, the developer argued that demand for sun-and-beach tourism and nature tourism in the Riviera Maya continues to grow, driving investment and economic development in Quintana Roo and the country. It also said the region’s consolidation as an international destination has created opportunities for other segments such as business, adventure, events, and conventions, requiring new lodging, services, and facilities.
Semarnat’s environmental authorization sets a construction period of two years and six months, and an operational term of 50 years.
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