Cancun's Clean Beaches Wear More Awards than Sunscreen
Cancun basks in beach accolades with 43 environmental awards, including “Blue Flag” dominance, while gearing up to host the WTA finals. But challenges loom, with organized crime incidents casting shadows on its sunny shores.
Ladies and gentlemen, grab your tennis rackets and sun hats because Cancun is about to serve up an ace of a year! This bustling Mexican paradise is not only basking in the glory of its pristine clean beaches but is also gearing up to host the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) finals, featuring the world's top eight players. But amidst all the excitement, Cancun also faces some unique challenges.
Beach Bonanza
Cancun is no stranger to accolades when it comes to its beaches, and this year is no different. The municipal president, Ana Paty Peralta, recently hailed the joint efforts of both the private sector and the government for Cancun's continued dominance in environmental certifications. Not one, not two, but three prestigious awards adorn Cancun's shores: “Clean Sustainable Beach,” “Platinum Beach,” and the international the “Blue Flag.”
That's right! Cancun snagged a whopping 43 awards in total for the 2023-2024 season. Ana Paty Peralta proudly pointed out that Cancun topped the national charts for “Blue Flag” sites and international rankings for sustainable tourism boats. It's a place where the beaches sport as many accolades as tourists wear swimsuits.
With seven public beaches proudly flying the “Blue Flag,” and even more certifications for hotel beaches and sailing companies, Cancun's commitment to environmental protection and sustainability is as clear as its turquoise waters.
Tennis Extravaganza
But it's not just sunbathing and sandy toes that Cancun is offering this year. Hold on to your visors because the Women's Tennis Association finals are coming to town! From October 29 to November 5, the world's top eight singles players and doubles teams will be rallying on Cancun's courts.
Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa couldn't contain her excitement, saying, “These types of world-class events put Quintana Roo in the eyes of the world, which contributes to the arrival of more tourists, more employment, economic spillover, and that tourism success is reflected in the pockets of workers.”
So, if you're a tennis fan, pack your tennis whites and prepare to be served with the best of both worlds – thrilling matches on the court and stunning beaches just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
Crime and Challenges
But in the midst of all this splendor, Cancun faces its fair share of challenges. Recent incidents have brought to light the shadowy presence of organized crime. Tragedy struck with the murder of a guard outside the Cereso de Cancun, marking the third such incident involving organized crime.
Furthermore, Los Aguachiles restaurants in Cancun and Playa del Carmen were targeted in a shooting, leaving one person injured. As if that weren't enough, some Cancun bars have been forced to close temporarily due to extortion by criminal groups. It's a tough situation that the local businesses are grappling with, and they demand that authorities ensure their security while also halting police abuses.
Cancun is undoubtedly a destination that boasts beauty, charm, and allure, but it's also a place where the unexpected can occur. However, its resilience, commitment to the environment, and passion for sports and culture remain unwavering.
So, whether you're a beach bum, a tennis enthusiast, or simply seeking adventure, Cancun is ready to offer you a taste of paradise with a side of the unexpected. This Mexican gem continues to shine brightly, proving that even in the face of challenges, Cancun is the ultimate vacation destination.
