Royal Caribbean Defends Mahahual Tourism Project as Greenpeace Raises Environmental Concerns

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Royal Caribbean has responded to environmental concerns raised by Greenpeace Mexico about its planned tourism development in Mahahual and Cozumel, defending the project as a model of responsible development with environmental restoration measures.

The cruise company issued a letter signed by president and CEO Michael Bayley acknowledging Greenpeace’s concerns while arguing that environmental protection and tourism development are not mutually exclusive goals. The company stated its projects involve rigorous technical planning, regulatory oversight, and constant monitoring to ensure long-term positive impacts.

Among the announced measures, Royal Caribbean highlighted plans to restore and conserve 45 hectares of mangroves, build the region’s first solid waste management plant, and construct a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility. The project also includes self-sufficient water and waste management systems, along with measures to mitigate sargassum seaweed impacts and protect the coastline.

The company said the development will primarily occur on land previously affected by human activity and will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs with training programs for local residents. Royal Caribbean added it will continue dialogue with authorities, experts, and community stakeholders to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Greenpeace Mexico has maintained its opposition to the “Perfect Day Mahahual” project. On March 5, representatives delivered a letter to the company’s offices requesting the tourism development be halted, citing risks to regional ecosystems.

The environmental organization warned the project could damage mangroves, coral reefs, and dune systems while affecting species including jaguars, sea turtles, and manatees. Greenpeace also questioned whether Mahahual’s community of approximately 3,000 residents could handle an estimated daily influx of up to 21,000 visitors, which would create high demand for water and generate substantial waste.

The group further expressed concerns that the development could alter groundwater systems and replicate problems seen in northern Quintana Roo, including reef degradation, beach privatization, and community displacement.

The project remains under evaluation and has not yet received all required environmental permits, though it is being promoted for operation starting in 2027.