Costa Maya, the Caribbean port that was
founded in 2001 in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, welcomes
about 1 million cruise passengers a year. But the destination
envisions a strong future beyond the big ships, according to
Teofilo Hamui, president and CEO of Costa Maya.
"It was clear to
everyone at Costa Maya that there was a great potential to develop
into a complete tourist destination from very early on," Hamui
said. "As a port, Costa Maya received its millionth passenger just
three months after opening its doors. A year later, we celebrated
our 2 million passenger milestone. Clearly, tourists were very
interested in our destination."
To develop that
potential, Costa Maya has embarked on a plan to build
infrastructure, such as roads, an airstrip and hotels. The plan is
to ultimately have 10,000 guest rooms available.
"Since our
inauguration, we have collaborated with local government to improve
the area's infrastructure," Hamui said. "Together, we have already
paved the roads, brought in electricity and phone service to the
area, constructed hundreds of homes for those who live and work in
Costa Maya, are currently constructing real estate opportunities
and already have several privately owned, boutique hotels serving
our overnight guests."
The Costa Maya Inn,
the newest and largest hotel in the area, has 50 rooms.
"There are several
other local hotels, all privately owned, offering that cozy,
bed-and-breakfast feel," said Hamui. "A few miles farther out, deep
in the jungles, is the beautiful Explorean Kohunlich Hotel,
offering guests a combination of sophistication and
adventure."
Reason to stay
Giving visitors a
reason to stay onshore and explore Costa Maya is one of Hamui's
goals.
"Because of the
area's natural features, we expect adventure-seekers and travelers
looking to experience Mexico's authentic culture will be most
interested in visiting Costa Maya," he said. "This year, we are
beginning to develop packages that will include transportation,
accommodations at the newly built Costa Maya Inn and activities,
carefully catered to each visitor's interests."
Diving enthusiasts
will be encouraged to combine exploring the Caribbean with visits
to Chinchorro Banks and the Bacalar cenote, Quintana Roo's largest
sinkhole.
"We will create
similar packages that will cater to cultural travelers and
adventure seekers," said Hamui.
This year, Costa
Maya expanded its excursion offerings with the Dolphin Dream
Experience in conjunction with the Xcaret ecopark as well as
cultural tours to the Chetumal Mayan Cultural Museum and the Mayan
ruins at Kohunlich and Dzibanche.
"Moving forward, we
are also looking to expand our relationship with the travel agent
community," Hamui said. "This very important group helps us relay
what Costa Maya as a destination is all about and to convey the
beauty of a region with such rich history and
tradition."
Costa Maya's
revamped Web site and brand campaign will play a key role in
forging the destination's identity, he added.
Hamui said all
10,000 guest rooms will be in boutique-style hotels. Developers
will be limited to constructing hotels no higher than three
stories.
Costa Maya is
collaborating with Fonatur, the Mexican government's
tourism-development bureau, on the project, which will be completed
in phases.
At the 2007
Tianguis trade show in Acapulco, Fonatur announced that land had
been purchased. The first phase of the hotel project will have
2,000 to 3,000 hotel rooms. The project's development time frame
has not been determined.
"A priority for us
when we began developing ... and later as we started expanding ...
was making sure we grew responsibly," Hamui said. "Our key
objective is to ensure that the growth of Costa Maya will not put a
strain on the region's resources."
Hamui said he hoped
that in 10 years, Costa Maya would be a complete destination that
"successfully implemented a new infrastructure, opened up the real
estate market and integrated the existing Mayan community while
respecting their traditions."
For more
information on Costa Maya, visit www.puertocostamaya.com.
To
contact reporter Mark Chesnut, send e-mail [email protected].