Tulum has been officially recognized as a Potential Sustainable Tourist Development Zone (ZDTS) by the National Commission for Regulatory Improvement. This designation means that the municipality will prioritize environmental sustainability in its tourism efforts, preserving and promoting natural environments.

The decree, soon to be published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, applies to a total of 3,486 hectares. This includes the municipal head town of Tulum and a 6.9 kilometer stretch of coastal area. The region is home to 33,428 residents, according to the 2020 Population and Housing Censuses of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography.

This is the first time a national ZDTS has been declared, signifying the region's commitment to sustainable tourism and a green economy.

The decree outlines the types of tourist activities and services that can be conducted within Tulum's ZDTS, as long as they adhere to environmental regulations. The aim is to diversify the range of services and attractions, positioning Tulum as a top-quality eco-archaeological and nature destination. The decree encourages:

Improving the quality of current accommodation through sustainability programs.
Reclassifying hotels according to the Ministry of Tourism's classification system and standardizing rates with the Riviera Maya.
Promoting the use of eco-technologies and sustainable practices in hotels and restaurants.
Encouraging tourism service providers to obtain certifications from the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

The decree also encourages the development of quality products in Tulum, such as small hotels, commercial, gastronomic, and cultural areas. It promotes inclusive tourism, diversification of service providers, and regulation of vacation rental accommodations. It also aims to strengthen relationships with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and boost the development of a portfolio of tourism and productive projects.

The initiative began during Enrique Peña Nieto's term to curb the uncontrolled growth of Tulum, one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Quintana Roo. The rapid expansion of hotel infrastructure has outpaced the provision of services, leading to disarray.

The publication of the decree will encourage policies for more orderly growth and allocate resources to meet sustainability criteria.

Alongside Tulum, there are also plans to grant ZDTS status to the continental area of Isla Mujeres, another rapidly growing tourist destination in Quintana Roo. The new ZDTS status will be enforced through urban regulation instruments, such as the Urban Development Plan and the Local Ecological Management Program, to ensure sustainability criteria are clearly stipulated.