Mexico Opens New Complaint Against Xcaret Over Use of Maya Symbols

Cancun, Quintana Roo — Mexico’s National Copyright Institute (Indautor) has opened a new legal complaint against Grupo Xcaret for the unauthorized commercial use of Maya cultural heritage, and is calling on Maya communities in Quintana Roo, Campeche and Yucatan to join the case.

The complaint targets Altura 1,704 Proyectos, the company behind the Xcaret brand, for using the Maya word “Kuxtal” without permission from indigenous communities. Indautor says the term is part of the cultural patrimony of the Maya people.

The case follows a recent court ruling in which Xcaret lost an appeal related to its use of Maya symbols. The company has argued that it needs clear regulations on the use of indigenous heritage, rather than decisions based on individual opinions.

Business groups including the Mexican Employers’ Confederation (Coparmex), the Caribbean Hotel Council, and the Caribbean Business Coordinating Council have publicly urged authorities to ensure that cultural heritage disputes do not harm employment or investment in Quintana Roo. They say the lack of clear rules creates legal uncertainty for the tourism sector, and note that Xcaret generates thousands of jobs and significant investment.

In April, Carlos Constandse Madrazo, vice president and shareholder of Grupo Xcaret, called for a clear regulatory framework on the use of Maya cultural heritage, saying the company wants to comply with rules “based on a regulation, not on the opinion of one or two people.”