Royal Caribbean’s Mega Project in Mahahual Could Boost Tourism in Belize

Belize may be poised to benefit from a major tourism deal struck in neighboring Mexico with the mega cruise line, Royal Caribbean.  Over the weekend, it was announced that the US cruise giant, Royal Caribbean, finalized its takeover of the Mahahual port (Costa Maya) and 34 surrounding properties.  It is a transaction that costs some eight hundred and twenty-one point three million dollars, and has been dubbed, “Perfect Day Mexico”.  Love News understands that the idea is to transform Mahahual into a premier destination.  Further details on the project indicate that Royal Caribbean’s initial investment of $221.3 million for the port and land, approved with conditions by Mexican competition regulators, will be followed by an additional $600 million infusion. The investments will reportedly create a sprawling tourism complex featuring “Jaguar’s Peak,” the tallest slide in the Americas, the “Loco Waterpark” with over 30 slides, the “Splash Cove” with the world’s longest lazy river, themed beaches, and a towering 13-meter Mexican sombrero as a visual icon.  The company projects a quadrupling of tourism in Mahahual, from 1 million to nearly 4 million visitors annually. This influx is expected to generate over 8,800 permanent and 1,000 temporary jobs, with an estimated economic impact of $10.6 billion over 22 years. The project also includes a community center, local training programs, sustainable infrastructure, and a connection to the Maya Train, positioning Mahahual as a major regional tourism hub. Royal Caribbean aims to replicate the success of its “Perfect Day at CocoCay” in the Bahamas, with an added emphasis on sustainability and local development in Mexico.  For Belize, situated just south of Quintana Roo, this massive development in Mahahual presents a unique opportunity to capitalize on the anticipated surge in regional tourism. While Belize boasts its own thriving cruise and overnight visitor sectors – having seen a remarkable 21% increase in overnight visitors in 2024 and a recovery in cruise tourism – the sheer volume of visitors projected for Mahahual could create a ripple effect.  The “Perfect Day México” project’s connection to the Maya Train could improve overall transportation infrastructure in the region. While not directly linking to Belize, improved regional connectivity in Quintana Roo could indirectly benefit Belize by making it easier for visitors to combine a Mahahual visit with a Belizean adventure, potentially through organized bus or shuttle services from Chetumal.