MEXICO CITY — Mexican authorities have rejected Royal Caribbean’s proposed Perfect Day Mexico development on the country’s Caribbean coast following mounting opposition from residents and environmental groups concerned about its ecological impact.
Environment Minister Alicia Barcena confirmed Tuesday that the large-scale tourism project in Mahahual would not move forward.
“It is not going to be approved,” Barcena said during a press conference, adding that the cruise company was also taking steps to withdraw the proposal.
Royal Caribbean said it regretted the decision but respected the position of Mexico’s environmental authorities. The company added that it remains optimistic about future investments in Mexico and plans to continue discussions with stakeholders regarding local job creation and environmental infrastructure initiatives.
The project, which had been scheduled to open in fall 2027, was planned for Mahahual, a small beach town on Mexico’s Caribbean coast near the Mesoamerican Reef, the largest reef system in the Western Hemisphere. Royal Caribbean had promoted Perfect Day Mexico as the “biggest, baddest, boldest destination,” featuring beach clubs, pools, bars and more than 30 waterslides.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also addressed the issue earlier this week, highlighting concerns about the environmental sensitivity of the region.
“We must not do anything that affects that area, which has a very important ecological balance, and is particularly important for the reefs,” Sheinbaum said during her daily press conference on Monday.
GROWING OPPOSITION
The rejection marks another setback for large-scale tourism developments in environmentally sensitive coastal areas of Mexico, where opposition to mass tourism projects has intensified in recent years.
Environmental organization Greenpeace described the region as being at a “crucial juncture,” warning that the project and related cruise tourism expansion could have significant environmental consequences.
Public opposition also grew online, with a Change.org petition opposing the development reportedly surpassing four million signatures in recent days. Petition organizers argued the proposed 90-hectare water park would impact protected mangroves, marine ecosystems and local community access to beaches.
Mahahual, home to fewer than 3,000 residents, is known for its coral reefs, diving opportunities and surrounding mangrove forests and tropical jungle habitats that support wildlife including sea turtles and jaguars.
The area is also located near the route of the Maya Train project, a major infrastructure initiative intended to boost economic development in southeastern Mexico. The rail project has also faced criticism from environmental and Indigenous groups concerned about its impact on ecosystems and local communities.
Lead image caption: Lighthouse at Mahahual, Mexico
