TULUM, Mexico – On September 7th, Tulum will witness the grand opening of the first hotel connected to the ambitious Tren Maya project, a monumental effort to transform the Yucatán Peninsula into an even more prominent global tourist destination. This hotel, boasting 352 rooms, is the first of six planned to be constructed in areas of significant tourist interest throughout the region, aligning with the Mexican government’s vision to boost tourism and economic development.
Strategically located less than three kilometers from the Tren Maya station in Tulum, the hotel enhances its appeal with a direct connection to the iconic archaeological zone of Tulum. This, coupled with the simultaneous inauguration of Section 5 of the Tren Maya, promises to increase tourist traffic and stimulate the local economy significantly. According to Andrés Núñez, director of the Tren Maya Operations Coordination Center, the hotel’s construction is 72% complete, placing it in the final stages of development. This progress highlights the speed and efficiency of the project, as well as its importance within the national infrastructure strategy.
The local economic impact of this project is already tangible. With the creation of more than three thousand direct jobs—precisely 3,112, according to official figures—the hotel has provided a crucial boost to Tulum’s economy, contributing to the stability and prosperity of many local families. Currently, efforts are focused on the final touches, including completing rooms, installing necessary equipment, and creating green spaces and lighting, all essential for ensuring a high-quality experience for future guests.
This Tulum hotel is just the beginning of a broader plan that includes the construction of five other hotels in equally iconic locations across the Yucatán Peninsula, such as Palenque, Calakmul, Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, and Edzná. Each of these developments is designed to complement the tourist appeal of their respective areas, creating a network of accommodations that will facilitate access to some of Mexico’s most culturally and historically significant sites.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has repeatedly emphasized the importance of Section 5 of the Tren Maya, not only for its tourist significance but also for its challenges. During his morning press conference, AMLO noted that this section has been one of the most difficult to construct, mainly due to protests from groups he refers to as “pseudo-environmentalists.” These demonstrations, according to López Obrador, have hindered the progress of the works, but the government has overcome the obstacles to ensure the protection of the cenotes, underground rivers, and caves that are characteristic of this region.
Section 5 is relatively short compared to other sections of the Tren Maya, but its construction has been incredibly challenging due to the area’s natural and archaeological richness. López Obrador emphasized that despite the protests, all necessary measures have been taken to protect the natural environment, ensuring that tourism development is sustainable and respectful of the environment. Completing this section is a testament to the government’s commitment to balancing progress with conservation, a balance crucial for Tulum’s future and its surroundings.
This hotel project, directly linked to the Tren Maya, represents a comprehensive development model aimed at attracting more tourists and distributing economic benefits more equitably across the region. By connecting Tulum with other key destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula, tourist traffic is expected to diversify, relieving pressure on the most popular sites and encouraging the development of less-visited but equally valuable cultural and natural areas.
