Tulum Emerges as Economic Powerhouse in Quintana Roo with 3.8% of State GDP

Tulum continues to consolidate its status as a rising economic force in the state of Quintana Roo. According to recent data shared by the Secretaría de Desarrollo Económico (SEDE), the municipality generated an annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 15.5 billion pesos, representing 3.8% of the state’s total economic output.

The report, based on figures from the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), also highlighted that Tulum has more than 20,000 formal jobs—a remarkable figure for a municipality still in the early phases of long-term development.

Economic Momentum Driven by Confidence and Diversification

Tulum’s continued growth is backed by the confidence of over 1,100 registered employers, particularly in the sectors of retail, real estate, and tourism-related services. This level of formal investment signals not only economic vitality but also the municipality’s increasing integration into the broader regional economy.

While Benito Juárez (home to Cancún) continues to lead the state with nearly half of Quintana Roo’s GDP, Tulum’s trajectory suggests a shift in the geographic balance of investment within the Riviera Maya. With growing infrastructure, improved connectivity, and a focus on sustainable tourism, Tulum is steadily emerging as a strategic hub for both capital and innovation.

The Importance of Sustainable Growth

Despite this strong economic performance, local leaders and industry stakeholders stress the importance of growth with responsibility. David Ortiz Mena, President of the Tulum Hotel Association, emphasized that the municipality’s success must be rooted in sustainability.

“It’s not about growth for growth’s sake,” Ortiz Mena stated. “We must ensure that tourism and development evolve in a way that protects our natural environment and cultural heritage. Tulum’s potential is enormous—but only if we manage it wisely.”

This perspective is especially relevant as the area becomes increasingly attractive to both domestic and international investors.

A Boost from New Infrastructure

A major factor fueling Tulum’s economic expansion is the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, which recently celebrated its first year of operations. The airport has significantly improved the municipality’s national and international connectivity, reducing travel times and making Tulum more accessible to visitors and business stakeholders alike.

For investors, the new infrastructure marks a key inflection point—creating opportunities in hospitality, real estate, logistics, and service industries—while also challenging the region to balance growth with long-term environmental stewardship.

Looking Ahead: A Strategic Investment Destination

Tulum’s economic indicators, paired with its growing appeal as a global tourism destination, position it as one of the most promising municipalities in southeastern Mexico. As more capital flows into the region and infrastructure continues to develop, the focus for investors will increasingly shift toward high-quality, sustainable projects that align with the municipality’s vision for the future.

With a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and a maturing business environment, Tulum is not just growing—it is shaping itself as a model for intentional, resilient development in the Mexican Caribbean.