The Rise of Cancun: From Deserted Island to Premier Tourist Destination
Cancun, once a deserted island in a forgotten region of the Caribbean, has transformed into a world-renowned tourist destination over the past five decades. The development of Cancun as a premier tourist hub was a result of a well-planned project initiated by the Mexican government. Let's explore the history and development of Cancun based on the provided blog post and additional information obtained from the internet.
The Selection Process: In the late 1960s, the Mexican government recognized the potential of developing the country's tourism sector to stimulate economic growth. Officials conducted a thorough analysis of successful tourist destinations like Miami Beach and Acapulco to identify the perfect location for a new resort town. Factors such as the number of tourists, hotel accommodations, climate, and natural attractions were considered. The data were fed into a computer program, which ultimately selected several candidates for the new resort town.
Choosing Cancun: After careful consideration, Cancun emerged as the ideal location for the ambitious project. It boasted year-round pleasant weather, pristine blue seas, and breathtaking white sand beaches. Additionally, its proximity to significant archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum added to its appeal. Cancun also faced high levels of poverty and had no existing industry, making it a suitable area for economic development.
The Master Plan and Construction: The Cancun Project was officially approved in 1969, and in January 1970, the construction work began. The initial objectives included designing a Master Development Plan, constructing a road to the island from Puerto Juarez, and building a provisional airstrip. The Master Plan involved creating a tourism zone without permanent residential areas, a residential zone for permanent residents, and an international airport on the mainland. The Hotel Zone development followed the concept of "supermanzanas" or subdivisions, with large city blocks separated by wide avenues.
Infrastructure Challenges: Constructing Cancun's infrastructure posed significant challenges. The development required importing truckloads of topsoil to create a suitable foundation for the city. Mangrove systems were dredged to create channels, improving water exchange between the sea and lagoons. The project also required substantial engineering efforts for drinking water, sewerage, and electricity.
Early Growth and Recognition: Cancun's first hotels, including Playa Blanca, Bojorquez, and Cancun Caribe, opened their doors in 1974. The city's international airport was inaugurated with a runway capable of accommodating wide-cabin airplanes. In the same year, the government agencies Infratur and Foqatur merged to form the National Foundation for the Promotion of Tourism (Fonatur). Quintana Roo was granted statehood, and Cancun became part of the Benito Juarez district.
Cancun's Transformation: Since its humble beginnings, Cancun has experienced exponential growth and has become a significant tourist destination. The city now welcomes around 30 million visitors annually, generating a substantial portion of Mexico's tourism revenue. Its Hotel Zone stretches across a 27-kilometer (17-mile) beachfront and hosts numerous hotels and resorts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities, explore ancient Mayan ruins.
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