Mahahual, Q.R. — Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has said no to Perfect Day Mahahual. At a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Semarnat head Alicia Bárcena confirmed the government’s decision.
At the press conference, she reported that the Perfect Day project proposed by Royal Caribbean will not be approved. During her announcement, she also said that the company was looking to withdraw the project, but regardless of that happening, the government of Mexico would not approve it.
“The company is seeking to withdraw from the project, but we want to announce that we, as Semarnat, will not approve it,” said Alicia Bárcena Tuesday.
Last year, the cruise ship company closed the deal to purchase the Port of Mahahual at Costa Maya. The $292 million USD deal also included 34 surrounding properties.
According to Royal Caribbean, their 90 hectare waterpark project, with slides, artificial pools and private beach, was estimated to cost around $600 million USD.
The Tuesday announcement came after President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that her government was investigating the potential impact of the project to determine whether or not to grant construction permits.
“I asked Alicia (Bárcena) to review it very carefully. We must not do anything that affects that area which has a very important ecological balance, and particularly for the reefs. Semarnat is doing a very detailed analysis,” she said Monday.
“The government will not do anything that puts the ecosystem in that area at risk,” and if the project affects the area, “they could seek a relocation,” she added.
On May 12, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources released a statement clarifying they were still assessing the Royal Caribbean project and that environmental decisions were being made based on technical, legal, and scientific criteria, prioritizing the protection of ecosystems and public interest.
Royal Caribbean has not made a public comment regarding the government of Mexico’ official decision regarding their Mahahual project. There has not been any speculation as to what they will do with the Port of Mahahual.
Royal Caribbean is in the process of having permits granted for the construction of their Paradise Beach club on the island of Cozumel. According to the company, a day pass will cost $310.00 USD per person.
