Mexico's Mahahual tourism project canceled, protected area rejected

Mexico’s environment ministry chief Alicia Bárcena met with residents, business owners and service providers in Mahahual to hear community concerns after the cancellation of Royal Caribbean’s $1 billion “Perfect Day” tourism project. She said the federal government will not create a new Área Natural Protegida in the town, emphasizing instead the promotion of sustainable tourism that benefits locals.

The meeting follows a direct request from President Claudia Sheinbaum for officials to listen to the population. Bárcena announced that a roadmap outlining the community’s demands – including solutions for sargassum, solid‑waste management, public services and employment – will be prepared in the coming days. The cancelled Perfect Day plan had three phases; Royal Caribbean withdrew one and the ministry rejected the remaining two due to environmental impact concerns.