Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Wednesday that the government is in talks with Royal Caribbean to identify a potential new site for a water park project that the cruise line intended to build in the Mexican Caribbean—a project that was previously rejected by local authorities on environmental grounds.
The “Perfect Day Mexico” project—part of Royal Caribbean’s strategy to expand investments in land-based destinations—envisioned the construction of a pier and a beach club—in addition to the water park—in the Mahahual area of the state of Quintana Roo, located south of the Riviera Maya and near the border with Belize.
“Discussions are underway with the company to determine if there is a location free of these environmental impacts where the project could be developed—a site that would first undergo an analysis to determine whether or not it possesses true environmental viability,” the President said during her daily press conference, noting that the company had withdrawn its original proposal.
Last week, Mexico’s Secretary of the Environment, Alicia Bárcena, announced the rejection of the project following a strong backlash from residents and environmental groups who criticized the ecological impact it would have caused.
At that time, Royal Caribbean stated that it expected to provide all necessary information to support a review of the project. This announcement came amidst a drop in its stock price—hitting a one-year low—and within a broader context in which cruise operators are being impacted by rising fuel costs driven by the conflict in the Middle East.
In October 2024, Sheinbaum had welcomed the project, describing it as “important.” Its opening was originally scheduled for 2027, and—according to statements made at the time by Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard—it was expected to entail an investment of $1.5 billion.
The park was touted as the largest, most spectacular, and most audacious destination of its kind, featuring beach clubs, swimming pools, bars, and over 30 water slides. Royal Caribbean also plans to open a standalone beach club in Cozumel—also located in the Mexican Caribbean—later this year.
Source: msn
