Puerto Morelos received two awards at the 2026 World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony, held in Green Island, Jamaica. Both awards highlight the area as a top spot for travelers who love outdoor fun and pristine nature.

Top Honors for Adventure and Cenotes

Puerto Morelos was named Mexico’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination for the eighth consecutive year, while the Ruta de los Cenotes, located in the municipality, won Mexico’s Leading Nature-Based Tourism Attraction for the second consecutive year.

Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz celebrated the recognitions and credited the destination’s tourism sector for its continued success.

Jungle Thrills and Coral Reefs

Karina Vázquez Díaz, the local secretary of sustainable tourism, explained that variety is the key to the town's success. Visitors can snorkel in the area’s reef waters, use jungle zip lines, and swim or dive at designated cenotes and other freshwater sites.

The community also celebrates its nautical heritage with popular annual events. The municipality also hosts cultural and sporting events throughout the year, including maritime and fishing-related activities.

Local authorities report that the municipality has more than 8,000 hotel rooms, although the figure’s geographic scope and date should be specified. Yet, the town still keeps the quiet charm of a traditional Caribbean fishing village.

Eco-Friendly Growth for Local Families

Town officials say the awards help promote sustainable tourism across the region. The goal is to bring in more visitor spending while keeping local forests, reefs, and underground rivers safe.

Tourism can support employment and local businesses, including tour operators, transport providers, and restaurants, although the extent of those benefits depends on how visitor spending is distributed.

What This Means for the Region

The awards give Puerto Morelos additional international visibility alongside larger nearby destinations such as Cancún and Playa del Carmen. Many travelers now look for peaceful, nature-first getaways instead of crowded mega-resorts.

Municipal officials say they aim to expand nature-based tourism while protecting local ecosystems and preserving the community’s traditional character.

As Puerto Morelos celebrates these big wins, its future looks brighter than ever. The international spotlight proves that green tourism and small-town charm make a winning team.