Mexico's Semarnat Rejects Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Project in Mahahual

On May 19, 2024, Alicia Bárcena, secretary of Mexico's environmental agency SEMARNAT, announced that the agency will not approve the "Perfect Day Mexico" mega‑tourism development proposed by cruise operator Royal Caribbean in Mahahual, Quintana Roo. The project, designed as a large resort complex with beaches, pools, bars and water slides for cruise passengers, was criticized for potentially harming mangroves, the Mesoamerican Reef, local aquifers and habitats for turtles, manatees and jaguars.

Environmental collectives such as Salvemos Mahahual, SelvaMe MX and DMAS staged protests and demanded a signed official resolution confirming the project's cancellation. Royal Caribbean said it respects the decision and remains open to dialogue about future investments. The rejection highlights the broader debate in Mexico over balancing large‑scale tourism growth with the protection of sensitive coastal ecosystems.