Yucatán’s Growing Attraction for Tourism Investments
Yucatán is solidifying its position as a prime destination for tourism investments, with an estimated economic impact of 5,000 million pesos in various projects for this year. According to the Directorate of Attention to New Tourism Investments of the Yucatan Tourism Development Secretariat (SEFOTUR), 49% of this investment will be allocated in Mérida, the capital city, while 51% will be directed towards other regions within Yucatán.
Investment Breakdown
- Hotel Industry: 66% of the total investment will be directed towards the hotel sector.
- Entertainment: 31% will be invested in entertainment venues, including theme parks, beach clubs, marinas, and museums.
- Restaurants: 4% will be allocated for restaurant developments.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
So far in 2025, various services have been inaugurated, representing an estimated investment of 1,200 million pesos. Some notable new attractions include:
- Destino Mío Mayan Resort in Tekit
- Cabañas Lob Lob in Dzilam Bravo
- Restaurants by Grupo Comitiva in Mérida
- Boutique cabins and a video mapping show at Cenote Santa Rosa in Homún
- Hotel Boutique Hacienda Susulá
- Restaurant Molusk in Progreso
In addition to private investments, public sector contributions are also significant. Projects like the Tren Maya hotels in Chichén Itzá and Nuevo Uxmal, with the latter featuring a theme park, further highlight Yucatán’s appeal.
Yucatán’s Strategic Advantage
Yucatán’s strategic geographical location, close to the United States and with direct access to maritime and air routes, positions it as a crucial player in Mexico’s connectivity and economic development. The state boasts:
- Seven international and twelve domestic air routes
- Ferroviar infrastructure through the Tren Maya project
- A port capable of receiving cargo ships up to 40,000 tons and luxury cruises accommodating 4,500 passengers
In 2024, the port handled over 8.69 million tons of cargo and welcomed 104 cruises carrying more than 317,000 passengers. This year, over 150 cruises are expected, translating to more than 400,000 passengers.
Tourism Meeting Infrastructure
Yucatán offers robust infrastructure for meetings and events, including:
- The International Congress Center with over 10,000 square meters of event spaces
- The Yucatan Convention Center Siglo XXI with over 20,000 square meters of nine spacious halls and six cinema-style rooms
From January to March of this year, 121 events have taken place in this segment.
Government Support and Integration
The Yucatán state government, through SEFOTUR, facilitates project connections with other tourism business sectors and integrates new initiatives into the Yucatan State Tourism Services Inventory (InvenTur) to strengthen the service provider network in the region.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the total investment expected in Yucatán’s tourism sector for this year? 5,000 million pesos
- How will the investment be distributed between Mérida and other regions in Yucatán? 49% for Mérida and 51% for other regions
- What percentage of the investment will go to each sector?
- Hotel Industry: 66%
- Entertainment: 31%
- Restaurants: 4%
- What recent projects have been inaugurated in Yucatán? Destino Mío Mayan Resort, Cabañas Lob Lob, Grupo Comitiva restaurants, boutique cabins and video mapping show at Cenote Santa Rosa, Hotel Boutique Hacienda Susulá, and Restaurant Molusk.
- What makes Yucatán a strategic destination for tourism investments? Its geographical location near the United States and direct access to maritime and air routes, along with existing infrastructure like air routes, Tren Maya, and a capable port.
