Mahahual, Q.R. — The Chetumal National Chamber of Commerce (Canaco) says they are in favor of the Royal Caribbean investment. Canaco President Amir Efrén Padilla Espadas says the Mahahual investment will generate a considerable number of jobs during the remodeling of the port.
Padilla Espadas explained that the Royal Caribbean investment is an opportunity to revitalize the public services infrastructure for the town of Mahahual as well as attract more investors and entrepreneurs.
According to the President of Canaco (Cámara Nacional de Comercio, Servicios y Turismo) of Chetumal, the Royal Caribbean port project will not only create jobs, but will also generate income in the transportation centre, the commercial village and tour centre.
“Royal Caribbean’s investment will be essential in the reactivation of the local and regional economy, strengthening the supply chain in various business areas that will meet both the demands of the staff who will be working there and the requirements for building the infrastructure, ” he said.
Efrén Padilla also said the company is making the changes with respect to the environment as agreed upon with the state government.
“It will be based on environmental protection criteria, one of the fundamental commitments negotiated by the governor to attract this multi-million-dollar project. In fact, we know that Royal Caribbean considers respect for the environment and community social inclusion,” he added.
“For years, we have asked for capital to come to the southern part of the state, so we must identify areas of opportunity and join the government’s efforts to attract more capital at this level,” he noted.
Padilla Espadas added that other investements in hotels are also being made in Mahahual, reaffirming the area’s position as a driving force for the southern region’s economy.
“From this business chamber, we applaud the investments being made thanks to Governor Mara Lezama’s administration. We understand that this Royal Caribbean project isn’t the only one that will be implemented, but also a hotel and residential complex.
At the end of June, a developer submitted environmental impact statements (MIAs) for two real estate developments. The developments, Lotes Norte Costa Maya and Lotes Sur Costa Maya, are for the construction of 24 boutique hotels.
“These projects are set to boost the region because they will provide many jobs, which is why they are of great importance,” he said.
He says the creation of jobs will require services, housing, food, recreation, transportation and other benefits, which will be a catalyst for the development of Mahahual and not one exclusive only to Costa Maya, but will extend to Chetumal.
In November of 2024, Governor Mara Lezama lead the Royal Caribbean Group’s announcement of $600 million USD investment for the redevelopment of the port in Mahahual.
At the time, she said the project will allow the economic growth and development of rural communities through new tourism experiences and provide an opportunity to unleash Mahahual’s potential with greater infrastructure, better services and higher quality of services.
“We are excited about the announcement of this new investment in the state, which follows other recent investments made by the consortium, such as the Royal Beach Club in Cozumel last year.
“This new impetus for the development of the Mahahual cruise port is a project that will not only transform this beautiful Caribbean destination, but also reaffirms our commitment to sustainability and community well-being,” said Governor Mara Lezama in November.
The investment presentation in November was led by Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International in which he explained that the project promises to transform the destination experience through Perfect Day Mexico, and elevate Quintana Roo as a modern and sustainable tourism benchmark.
During that presentation he reported a daily capacity of 21,000 guests and regional cruise tourism they expect to grow from 2.6 million visitors in its first year to more than 5 million by 2033.
In addition to seeking to strengthen tourism infrastructure and provide destinations with quality amenities, it reaffirms the Consortium’s confidence in Mahahual’s tourism potential and its commitment to the local community.
The project will be developed in coordination with the State Agency for Strategic Projects and the University of Quintana Roo, ensuring that social and community impact is a priority.
This investment will generate more than 1,000 jobs between 2025 and 2027, and nearly 1,000 direct jobs to operate the new tourism experience.
A direct connection to the Limones Tren Maya station is also planned, facilitating access to the Maya Train and promoting visits to destinations and experiences throughout the state, reinforcing the strategy in the new era of tourism in the Mexican Caribbean.
