5 Families Who Rule Quintana Roo’s Hotel Empire

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Quintana Roo, the tourism heart of the Mexican Caribbean, is globally renowned for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and the iconic Riviera Maya. Yet behind the region’s luxurious hotel complexes lies stark economic inequality. The wealthiest figures in Quintana Roo are not isolated individuals but members of powerful families who have controlled the state’s key tourism destinations for decades.

These business dynasties own high-end hotels, theme parks, and other tourism developments that capture a significant share of the region’s economic activity. Before detailing the five dominant families, other notable figures in Quintana Roo’s tourism economy must be acknowledged.

Carlos Berdegué Sacristán, owner of El Cid Resorts, operates properties in Cozumel and Puerto Morelos. Miguel Quintana Pali, founder of the successful Experiencias Xcaret group, oversees parks that attract over 2.3 million annual visitors. His latest ventures, Xenotes and Xenses, aim to further draw domestic and international tourists.

Political families such as the Ricalde, Borge, González Canto, and Villanueva clans—alongside the controversial Jorge Emilio González, known as “El Niño Verde”—have also profited from tourism. Many have held key government positions while maintaining multimillion-dollar businesses directly or indirectly tied to the hotel sector.

Roberto Palazuelos has built his own empire in Tulum and the Riviera Maya, with properties estimated to be worth nearly $12 million.

The Wealthiest Families of Quintana Roo

Below are the five most powerful and affluent families in the Mexican Caribbean, who dominate the tourism sector and, by extension, much of Quintana Roo’s economy.

The Zozaya Family – AMResorts

The Zozaya name is synonymous with the expansion of tourism in Riviera Maya, Cancún, and Cozumel. Through AMResorts, this family has built a hotel empire featuring some of Mexico’s most luxurious and exclusive brands. With three additional projects underway in Quintana Roo, their growth shows no signs of slowing.

The Azcárraga Family – Grupo Posadas

Historically tied to media and business, the Azcárraga family has also left a lasting mark on the hotel industry via Grupo Posadas. Their portfolio includes brands like Live Aqua, Fiesta Americana Grand, Fiesta Inn, and One. Between 2013 and 2014, they announced an ambitious expansion, opening 32 new hotels with an investment exceeding $287 million—adding over 4,400 rooms nationwide.

The Chapur Family – Palace Resorts

With 7,700 rooms across Cancún, Riviera Maya, Punta Cana, and the Dominican Republic, the Chapur dynasty is one of the Caribbean’s most influential hotel families. Their flagship brand, Palace Resorts, is a byword for luxury. They also own several Hard Rock Café locations, reinforcing their presence in tourism and entertainment.

The Cosío Family – Hoteles Las Brisas

The Cosío family owns one of Mexico’s most exclusive brands: Las Brisas. Their crown jewel is the Nizuc hotel in the Mexican Caribbean, valued at $170 million. Their business model targets high-net-worth international travelers, focusing on premium tourism.

The Vela Family – Grupo Velas Resorts

Grupo Velas ranks among Latin America’s most luxurious hotel conglomerates. With investments surpassing $2 billion, the Vela family has built a portfolio of high-end resorts that have earned international acclaim. Their presence in Quintana Roo symbolizes exclusivity and sophistication, cementing their status as one of the state’s wealthiest and most influential families.