Mahahual, Quintana Roo — Mexico’s Environment Secretary Alicia Bárcena Ibarra confirmed Wednesday that Mahahual will not be declared a Natural Protected Area (ANP), shifting the federal government’s approach toward sustainable tourism development after the cancellation of the controversial cruise megaproject “Perfect Day Mexico.”
Speaking during a meeting with local residents, cooperatives, and workers in the coastal town, Bárcena said the federal government’s priority is not to impose strict environmental restrictions but to build a model of shared prosperity through direct dialogue with the community.
“It’s not about protecting Mahahual at all costs or imposing a Natural Protected Area — that would be a mistake,” Bárcena said.
The high-level delegation included Pedro Álvarez Icaza Longoria, head of the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), and Oscar Rébora, Quintana Roo’s Secretary of Ecology and Environment (SEMA).
Bárcena said her visit followed a direct instruction from President Claudia Sheinbaum, who asked her to gather firsthand input from Quintana Roo residents on the future of tourism after Royal Caribbean’s project was halted.
The new federal approach aims to ensure that economic benefits from cruise tourism and low-impact activities remain in the Costa Maya region, benefiting local families rather than foreign corporations.
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