Quintana Roo Reinforces Its Global Tourism Leadership at Cancun Travel Mart 2025
Quintana Roo, one of Mexico’s most prominent tourism destinations, is asserting its global leadership in the travel and hospitality industry through its active participation in the 2025 Cancun Travel Mart (CTM), an event that has become a cornerstone for networking, investment, and innovation in the Mexican Caribbean.
The three-day gathering, held from October 22 to 24 at the Iberostar Selection Cancun, brought together more than 500 participants, including 200 companies and representatives from 27 countries, highlighting the region’s capacity to attract and host influential tourism players from across the globe.
Governor Mara Lezama, who officially inaugurated the event, emphasized that the state’s tourism strategy is evolving beyond numbers and visitor arrivals, aiming to place a stronger focus on the quality of life for tourism workers, community empowerment, and the social well-being of local populations. “Tourism in Quintana Roo is not just an economic engine; it is a vehicle for dignity, pride, and social development,” said Governor Lezama. She stressed that the state’s commitment to humanistic tourism—where economic growth is balanced with social and cultural sustainability—is central to positioning Quintana Roo as a model for the global tourism sector.
During the opening ceremonies, Governor Lezama highlighted the importance of community-based tourism initiatives, using the example of the Maya Ka’an region, a unique area comprising 76 Mayan communities that actively engage in cultural preservation while offering authentic and immersive experiences for visitors. This region has become a prime example of how tourism can drive social inclusion, providing local communities with direct economic benefits while simultaneously fostering cultural education and conservation.
The Cancun Travel Mart 2025 also served as a platform to showcase Quintana Roo’s ongoing investments in sustainable tourism infrastructure. Organizers emphasized that the state’s initiatives are aligned with Mexico’s national tourism strategies, particularly those focusing on environmental protection, responsible development, and integration of local communities into the economic benefits of tourism. From eco-resorts and cultural heritage sites to nature-based tourism experiences in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and other protected areas, the state is demonstrating a commitment to balancing economic growth with ecological stewardship.
Participants at the event had the opportunity to explore a variety of networking sessions, workshops, and presentations, designed to foster collaboration among international tour operators, travel agencies, hospitality investors, and local businesses. The Cancun Travel Mart 2025 also emphasized the importance of diversifying tourist offerings, including wellness tourism, luxury resort experiences, cultural tours, adventure and nature-based activities, and gastronomic experiences, ensuring that Quintana Roo continues to meet the evolving demands of a global clientele.
Governor Lezama reinforced that tourism growth must translate into social impact, highlighting that initiatives such as improved labor standards, training programs, and community engagement are crucial to the long-term sustainability of the sector. She underscored the role of human capital development, advocating for programs that empower tourism workers and ensure equitable economic participation across all communities involved in the industry.
As a destination, Quintana Roo has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to attract high-profile international events, and the 2025 Cancun Travel Mart further cements its reputation as a leading hub for investment, innovation, and networking in tourism. The event brought together stakeholders from North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, underscoring the Mexican Caribbean’s strategic position in the global travel landscape.
Beyond business and networking, the CTM 2025 also emphasized cultural immersion and experiential tourism. Delegates had the chance to experience Quintana Roo’s rich heritage, sample authentic regional cuisine, and explore destinations that combine natural beauty with historical significance. The inclusion of cultural showcases and hands-on experiences highlights a growing trend in international tourism, where travelers seek authentic connections with local communities rather than purely recreational experiences.
Through the Cancun Travel Mart, Quintana Roo is positioning itself as a benchmark for responsible tourism, proving that a destination can maintain its appeal to international markets while also investing in social and environmental programs that uplift local populations. This comprehensive approach demonstrates that tourism can be a catalyst for positive change, creating opportunities for economic growth, social inclusion, and cultural preservation.
In conclusion, the 2025 Cancun Travel Mart not only highlighted Quintana Roo’s leadership in the Mexican Caribbean and Latin America but also reinforced the state’s vision of tourism as a force for inclusive development and social well-being. With a combination of robust infrastructure, diverse offerings, community engagement, and commitment to sustainability, Quintana Roo is setting a new standard for global tourism destinations, showing that true leadership in the sector goes hand in hand with cultural pride, human development, and environmental responsibility.
