Cancún (from the Mayan: Kaan kuum ‘pot or nest of snakes’) is a Mexican planned city located in the state of Quintana Roo, head of the municipality of Benito Juárez.7 It is the most populated city in the state, with 888,797 inhabitants according to the census of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography in 2020. Considered a world-class tourist destination with certification from the World Tourism Organization, eight its development project began operations in 1974 as a Comprehensively Planned Center, pioneer of Fonatur (Fund National Tourism Promotion), formerly known as Infratur.
The city’s rich history and cultural heritage are evident in its ancient Mayan roots and the preservation of its natural beauty.
In a few years, it had a notable transformation since, from being a fishing island surrounded by virgin jungle and unknown beaches, it is currently the world’s most recognized Mexican tourist center.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), through the UNWTO-Themis Foundation, awarded the Best of the Best award for excellence and governance to the Cancún Tourism Promotion Trust on February 3, 2007.
Cancún became this form in an organization endorsed by the Department of Education and Knowledge Management of the UNWTO. Currently, Cancun is the destination that receives the most international tourists from Mexico, along with Mexico City and the Riviera Maya. In addition, Cancun International Airport is the second busiest for passenger traffic, making Cancun the leading tourist destination in Mexico.
For 2020, the number of international passenger arrivals was 8.1 million passengers (Statista, 2023).9 Cancún is not just about its beaches and resorts. The city is also a melting pot of cultures, offering a vibrant local scene and a rich culinary tradition. From traditional Mayan dishes to modern fusion cuisine, Cancún’s food scene is a treat for the taste buds.