Royal Caribbean’s Bold Plan for Mexico by 2030

Royal Caribbean has revealed plans for Mexico to become its primary tourist destination by 2030. The company expects to welcome around 5 million visitors to its upcoming development in Costa Maya, Mahahual, Quintana Roo, known as "Perfect Day Mexico". Across the country, the total number of visitors could reach up to 8 million, considering all travelers arriving on their cruises.

The company is investing heavily in Costa Maya, a port that opened 20 years ago but has seen little major investment since. Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer of Royal Caribbean, explained during a tour of the project area that the new development is set to open in 2027.

Schneider anticipates that the company will employ 3,000 people in the new development, which is more than the current population of Mahahual. He revealed that significant infrastructure investments have been made in Quintana Roo, but did not disclose the exact amount to be invested in this project due to competitive strategy considerations.

Mexico already welcomes around 40 million foreign tourists each year, and Royal Caribbean's share of this figure is set to increase significantly. By 2027, the company expects to see a rise in visitors, reaching 8 million by 2030, three years after the completion of "Perfect Day Mexico 2027". This will not only establish Mexico as a premier tourist destination but will also make it the main point of interest for Royal Caribbean globally.

Quintana Roo's governor, Mara Lezama, previously stated that Royal Caribbean would be investing around $600 million in the "Perfect Day Mexico" project. Later, the secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, suggested the figure would be $1.5 billion. However, the exact investment figure remains undisclosed. Schneider explained that withholding this information is a common strategy among large companies to prevent competitors from gaining an advantage.

The company purchased the port and surrounding lands in Mahahual for $290 million, aiming to replicate the success of its "Perfect Day at CocoCay" project in the Bahamas. The Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) is expected to be delivered in January 2025, marking a significant milestone in the project's commencement.

Schneider expressed appreciation for the support of local, state, and federal governments, especially during these times of global economic uncertainty. Their collaboration has been instrumental in achieving a shared vision of tourism development that benefits the entire community.

The project covers an extensive area of approximately 90 hectares, with about 40 being preserved as an ecological reserve. In addition to entertainment facilities, the project includes spaces dedicated to environmental conservation and protection. This new destination on the Mexican Caribbean coast will expand Royal Caribbean's exclusive experiences and offer a mix of attractions, beaches, and food options.