The Origin Story of This Destination, Which Paved the Way for Quintana Roo Travel

In the 2020s, Cancún hit a major tourism milestone: 50 years of Cancún. Cancún technically originated in 1970 but was officially recognized in 1974 when Quintana Roo became a Mexican state. Unlike many other resort towns that happened by chance, the Cancún Project, approved in ’69, had every intention of bringing in resorts and luxurious hotels to an undeveloped stretch of pristine beachfront. Yucatan Magazine referred to this initiative as a government plan to create a “multimillion-dollar playground.”

Therefore, it was meticulously planned. The Mexican government scouted land and brought in their best architectural minds in the late ’60s to create this grand development. As part of the Cancún Project, plans were made for a designated tourism area complete with hotels, shopping areas, and attractions (still known today as the Hotel Zone); a residential area for locals; and the construction of an international airport servicing the region.

What’s truly impressive about the plan is how calculated it was. The collaboration of the government, banks, urban planners, architects, and other infrastructure professionals resulted in a seamless activation of Cancún. Extensive studies were conducted on successful resort towns from Hawaii to the Caribbean, allowing Cancún to emerge as a lucrative tourism destination. Moreover, the goal was clear: to monetize this stretch of land, leverage the country’s natural offerings, and increase tourism revenue in Mexico.

Fast-forward to today—it’s been 50 years of thriving tourism in Cancún. The plans initiated in the 1970s have led not only to Cancún’s soaring popularity but have also facilitated significant expansion. Beyond Cancún itself, nearby resort communities such as Playa del Carmen, Mayakoba, Isla Mujeres, Isla Holbox, Akumal, and Cozumel have emerged—all extensions of that original tourism zone established in 1970.

The greater Cancún area has far surpassed the original developers’ expectations. While the initial intent was to create one resort-centric tourism zone, this coastal destination has developed a dynamic ecosystem of its own. For instance, areas such as Mayakoba have evolved into exclusive enclaves hosting luxury hotels, while islands like Cozumel and Isla Holbox provide intimate beaches and cultural experiences beyond the main city. Additionally, communities like Tulum along the Riviera Maya have also gained popularity, following the momentum generated by Cancún.

Ultimately, the Cancún Project has sparked a ripple effect across Quintana Roo, with airports and infrastructure facilitating further development and tourism growth.