Playa del Carmen’s Social Tourism Program Reaches 570 Children

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — With an emotional day at Playa Pelicanos, the Municipal Government, through the Secretariat of Tourism, held the closing ceremony of the social tourism program “My First Time at the Sea 2025,” an initiative that allowed girls and boys from vulnerable areas to enjoy touristic, educational, and recreational experiences.

During the closing, which included the participation of 50 students from the Evaristo Segundo elementary school, councilor Saúl Barbosa, representing municipal president Estefanía Mercado, highlighted the importance of students at all levels learning about the environment, ecology, and natural resources not only in the classroom but through direct experience at the beach, because knowing and valuing these spaces is essential to fostering their care.

For her part, Tourism Secretary Estefanía Hernández celebrated that the goal of 570 girls and boys served was reached, as projected for this year, and noted that this achievement responds to the Municipal President’s commitment to inclusive tourism, designed for everyone.

She added that the program’s objective is for children to enjoy the municipality’s main attractions, learn about its history, culture, and natural wealth, and become ambassadors of their own destination, promoting the idea of being “permanent tourists.”

Likewise, she thanked the support of the 18 companies and municipal councilorships that sponsored and accompanied each of the activities carried out throughout the program.

“My First Time at the Sea 2025” was consolidated as a tool to promote a sense of belonging, pride in the destination, and care for the natural environment among girls and boys in the municipality, who participated in tours and activities at emblematic spaces such as the Frida Kahlo Museum, the Xaman-Ha Archaeological Zone, the Jaguar Park, and Playa Fundadores.

As part of the final day, 50 girls and boys participated in a reading of the bull shark story—guided by the representative of the Shark School, Cecilia Gutiérrez—and subsequently created a sand sculpture, fostering creativity, teamwork, and respect for marine life.

Present at the event were authorities such as Eduardo Asencio, Honorary President of DIF; Antonio Uribe, Secretary of Health; Idania Gamboa, Director of the Institute of Women; special guests; and sponsors.

With the conclusion of this last activity, the Playa del Carmen Government reaffirms its commitment to continue promoting public policies that integrate citizens in actions of social welfare, environmental protection, and tourism promotion.