Tulum in Mexico Unveils Game-Changing Sustainable Cenote Route to Protect Natural Wonders and Boost Eco-Tourism

Tulum, a gem of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is known for its pristine beaches and natural wonders. Among these, cenotes—crystalline, freshwater sinkholes—hold a special place. These striking natural formations, scattered across the region, not only serve as key tourist attractions but also play an essential role in the area’s delicate water cycle. Now, Tulum is taking a significant step to preserve these vital ecosystems with the introduction of the Sustainable Cenote Route (Ruta de los Cenotes Sostenibles), a certified tourism initiative aimed at managing cenote access in a sustainable and responsible way.

On February 13, 2026, the Quintana Roo Ministry of Tourism officially launched the route, marking a significant milestone in the region’s effort to balance ecological preservation with tourism growth. This carefully crafted tourism route connects 12 cenotes in the Maya jungle, selected for their natural beauty and conservation potential. This initiative has been certified by the Mexican Sustainable Tourism Association, a move that aligns with the Quintana Roo government’s ecological tourism strategy, which has been under development since 2024.

A New Era for Cenote Tourism

Before the introduction of this new route, access to Tulum’s cenotes was informal, with visitors often exploring the sites without much guidance or any significant environmental regulations. The lack of structure meant that while tourists were flocking to the cenotes, the natural wonders were at risk of being damaged by overuse and pollution. The new Sustainable Cenote Route seeks to change this by replacing the old, unmanaged access with a more structured framework that includes marked trails, certified local guides, and reusable water filtration systems at each cenote. These systems are designed to reduce potable water consumption, ensuring that visitors can still enjoy activities like swimming and snorkeling while preventing further contamination of the already fragile ecosystem.

Maria López, the regional tourism director, emphasized that this new initiative aims not just to protect the cenote ecosystems but also to offer visitors an educational experience. Trained guides are available at each cenote to provide detailed insights into aquifer conservation and the biodiversity that relies on these freshwater systems. This blend of environmental awareness and leisure activities ensures that visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving these ecosystems.

Activities Designed for Low Environmental Impact

The Sustainable Cenote Route is designed with sustainability at its core, offering several low-impact activities for visitors to enjoy. Beyond swimming, travelers can participate in snorkeling, where they can observe the underwater wildlife in its natural habitat, without disturbing the fragile environment. For those with an artistic flair, art workshops using recycled materials will allow them to express their creativity while contributing to environmental conservation. These workshops, along with other activities, form part of a larger initiative where all waste materials collected from the cenotes are transported to regional recycling centers. This ensures that even the inevitable waste created by tourism is properly managed and does not add to the environmental burden of the area.

Boosting Local Economy and Conservation Efforts

For international travelers, the route offers bilingual packages that bundle transportation, certified guides, and a certificate of participation in cenote conservation efforts. This is a great opportunity for visitors to not only enjoy the beauty of Tulum’s cenotes but also contribute directly to their preservation. These packages are expected to drive a 15% increase in local lodging occupancy during the low season, which could be a significant boost to the economy. Conservation funding will be generated through community contributions and partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), creating a more sustainable model for both tourism and environmental protection.

This initiative marks a deliberate shift for Tulum, moving away from open-access, unmanaged tourism towards a more responsible model that prioritizes the health of the environment. For a region where cenotes are crucial not just for tourism but also for local water systems, the launch of the Sustainable Cenote Route provides a path forward for preserving these extraordinary features while ensuring that they continue to attract visitors from around the world.

Key Benefits of the Sustainable Cenote Route

The Sustainable Cenote Route provides multiple benefits for both the environment and the local community. These include:

1. Preservation of Water Ecosystems: The initiative ensures that Tulum’s cenotes are protected from overuse and contamination, helping to maintain their role in the region’s water cycle.
2. Economic Benefits: By increasing visitor traffic during the low season, the route can help boost local tourism-related businesses, particularly in accommodation and transportation sectors.
3. Educational Opportunities: Visitors will gain valuable knowledge about the region’s ecology and the importance of sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that they leave with a sense of responsibility toward environmental conservation.
4. Community Involvement: The initiative encourages community participation through waste management programs and partnerships with NGOs, ensuring that the local population is directly involved in the preservation efforts.

A Model for Future Tourism

The Sustainable Cenote Route is not just a local initiative; it sets a precedent for how eco-friendly tourism can be integrated into high-demand destinations. As the global travel industry increasingly turns toward sustainability, Tulum’s model could serve as an example for other regions facing similar challenges. Ensuring that tourism and environmental conservation go hand-in-hand is crucial for the long-term viability of destinations like Tulum, where natural beauty is a key selling point.

While the success of the initiative will depend on enforcement and continued visitor participation, the Sustainable Cenote Route has laid out a clear, certified path forward. By marrying responsible tourism with conservation, Tulum is not only safeguarding its cenotes but also ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy the natural wonders of the region.

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Jason King Appointed Managing Director for Southern Africa Lodges and Asia Growth at &Beyond

In an exciting leadership development, Jason King has been appointed as the Managing Director for Southern Africa Lodges & Asia Growth at &Beyond, a renowned luxury travel company known for its unparalleled conservation-focused adventures. With his extensive experience and passion for wildlife and cultural immersion, King is set to lead the operations of &Beyond’s lodges across Southern Africa while also driving the expansion of the company’s future lodge portfolio in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.

A Vision for Conservation and Development

As the new Managing Director for Southern Africa Lodges & Asia Growth, Jason King will be at the forefront of &Beyond’s conservation-driven mission, managing the operations of the company’s renowned lodges in Southern Africa. His role will also encompass the frontier conservation business development initiatives across the continent. Alongside Suhail Gupta, the Managing Director of &Beyond Asia, King will lead the development of &Beyond’s lodge portfolio in Asia, starting with new projects in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. The goal is to bring the luxury adventure experience that &Beyond is known for to new and breathtaking destinations, enriching the brand’s presence across these culturally diverse and ecologically important regions.

&Beyond: Defining Luxury with Purpose

Founded on the belief that travel should be more than just a journey, &Beyond is a luxury travel company that creates immersive, purpose-driven adventures in some of the most pristine, wild places around the world. The company’s ethos revolves around connecting guests to the beauty, culture, and spirit of each destination while preserving the natural environment and empowering local communities.

With a diverse portfolio that spans across Africa, Asia, South America, and Antarctica, &Beyond offers an extraordinary mix of lodges, camps, and yachts. Each experience is designed to be profoundly meaningful, allowing travelers to engage deeply with their surroundings and learn about the regions they are visiting in ways that go beyond mere sightseeing.

&Beyond’s commitment to conservation is central to its operations. Every aspect of the company’s experiences is grounded in a conservation model aimed at protecting what matters most. This approach ensures that guests not only enjoy the exceptional comfort and unparalleled adventure the brand is known for but also contribute to the preservation of the places they visit.

Expanding Horizons: Southern Africa and Asia

With Jason King at the helm of Southern Africa and Asia growth, the company is poised for an exciting period of expansion and conservation efforts. His vast experience in lodge management and business development makes him a valuable addition to the leadership team at &Beyond.

In Southern Africa, King will continue to manage the company’s lodge operations, ensuring that they remain the epitome of luxury travel while staying true to &Beyond’s conservation-driven ethos. This involves maintaining the highest standards of guest experience, while also ensuring the sustainability of the operations and their positive impact on the surrounding ecosystems.

In Asia, King’s role will be pivotal in expanding &Beyond’s footprint. The development of &Beyond’s lodge portfolio in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan will introduce guests to unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations. These countries, rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, offer new horizons for &Beyond to showcase its luxury adventure experiences in areas that are both culturally significant and environmentally sensitive.

Jason King’s Leadership Experience

Jason King’s career trajectory speaks volumes about his expertise in luxury hospitality and conservation-driven tourism. Before joining &Beyond, King held several leadership roles within the hospitality industry, focusing on both operational management and business development. His leadership experience spans multiple continents, allowing him to understand and navigate the complexities of running luxury lodge operations in diverse regions.

His work at &Beyond will continue to leverage his expertise in lodge development, focusing on creating unforgettable guest experiences while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and local community empowerment. King’s visionary approach aligns perfectly with &Beyond’s mission to deliver luxury travel experiences that are deeply connected to their environments and communities.

The &Beyond Approach: Sustainability at its Core

Sustainability is at the heart of &Beyond’s operations, and King’s leadership will strengthen the company’s commitment to this cause. Through frontier conservation business development, King will help advance &Beyond’s efforts to support the preservation of wildlife, ecosystems, and local cultures in every destination it touches.

&Beyond has built its reputation on creating luxury travel experiences that not only deliver exceptional comfort but also contribute to the well-being of the planet. The company’s various conservation projects, including wildlife conservation programs, eco-friendly lodge design, and support for local communities, help to ensure that each journey leaves a positive impact on both the environment and the people living within it.

A Lasting Impact on the Future of Travel

Under Jason King’s leadership, &Beyond is set to continue its legacy as a leader in luxury travel, conservation, and cultural exploration. His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the company, one where the pursuit of unforgettable experiences is deeply intertwined with a commitment to sustainability and the protection of the world’s most irreplaceable wild places.

The company’s vision of redefining what it means to explore with purpose, while creating deeply immersive and meaningful journeys, aligns perfectly with King’s leadership style. His drive for innovation and commitment to the brand’s values will shape the future of &Beyond and further its mission to deliver world-class travel experiences that have a lasting impact.

Looking Forward

With Jason King at the helm of Southern Africa Lodges & Asia Growth, &Beyond is poised for even greater success in the coming years. The company’s expansion into new regions, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, will provide travelers with unparalleled opportunities to experience the beauty and spirit of these regions in a way that only &Beyond can offer.

As King leads &Beyond’s growth in both Africa and Asia, his efforts will not only ensure that the company remains a leader in luxury travel but also reaffirm its commitment to conservation, sustainability, and cultural immersion. The future of &Beyond is bright, and under King’s leadership, it is sure to continue delivering experiences that transform the way travelers engage with the world.

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Explore Ivindo National Park in Gabon As Africa’s Best Kept Wilderness Gem Filled with Biodiversity

Nestled in the heart of Gabon lies Ivindo National Park, one of Africa’s most extraordinary wilderness areas. Recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this untouched gem of the Central African rainforest is an unspoiled paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and eco-tourists alike. Known for its spectacular waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and lush tropical forests, Ivindo offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich biodiversity of the Gabonese wilderness like never before.

A Biodiversity Hotspot in the Heart of Africa

Ivindo National Park, which covers a staggering 300,000 hectares, is a biodiversity hotspot that remains one of Gabon’s most important conservation areas. Located in northeastern Gabon, the park is part of the Lower Guinean Rainforest, one of the world’s most ecologically rich and rarely disturbed ecosystems. The park’s lush landscapes are home to a wealth of wildlife, including forest elephants, lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, and many species of primates and birds.

Ivindo’s dense rainforests, clear rivers, and black-water streams support over 200 species of birds, over 40 species of mammals, and more than 100 species of trees. The park is also known for its remarkable fish populations, some of which are endemic to the region. The park’s ability to maintain such a rich biodiversity is one of the reasons it has earned its World Heritage Site status.

Ivindo’s Iconic Waterfalls: Kongou and Mingouli

Among Ivindo’s most noteworthy features are the Kongou and Mingouli waterfalls, both located along the Ivindo River. These spectacular falls are an awe‑inspiring sight to behold and have become some of the most iconic natural landmarks in Gabon. With their cascading waters, stunning scenic views, and pristine surroundings, they make Ivindo National Park a must-visit for nature photographers, adventurers, and travellers seeking to witness the raw beauty of Africa’s wilderness.

Kongou Falls, in particular, is often considered one of the most impressive waterfalls in all of Central Africa, with its towering, multi-tiered cascades flowing into the misty ravines below. The falls are not only a marvel of nature but also play a critical role in the ecosystem, supporting the surrounding wildlife and maintaining the delicate ecological balance of the region.

A Rich History of Conservation and Protection

Ivindo National Park has been the focus of conservation efforts for years, making it one of the most well-protected parks in Gabon. The Gabonese government, in collaboration with international conservation organizations, has worked tirelessly to ensure the park remains a sanctuary for wildlife while promoting sustainable tourism. Gabon’s National Parks Agency is actively involved in preserving the park’s pristine environment by managing the park’s resources, enforcing anti-poaching laws, and fostering local community engagement.

The park’s World Heritage Site designation has only reinforced these efforts, ensuring that Ivindo continues to be a global symbol of conservation and biodiversity preservation. The designation also brings attention to the region’s significance in climate regulation and the need to protect its forests, which act as vital carbon sinks.

Wildlife and Ecosystems: A Trekker’s Paradise

For visitors eager to explore Ivindo’s pristine ecosystems, the park offers a variety of adventure experiences, from trekking through dense forests to birdwatching in the canopy. The diverse landscapes, coupled with its rich wildlife, make Ivindo National Park a haven for eco-tourists. Walking safaris are a popular activity for those seeking to get closer to nature, with expert guides offering insights into the park’s ecosystems, local wildlife, and the importance of its protection.

Visitors to Ivindo can observe the forest elephants, lowland gorillas, and chimpanzees that call the park home. Additionally, the park is a sanctuary for the endangered Bongo antelope, as well as the elusive African golden cat and forest buffalo. Visitors can also witness the seasonal migrations of bird species, with Ivindo serving as an important stopover for migratory birds along the Central African flyway.

Getting to Ivindo National Park: A Remote but Accessible Adventure

Ivindo National Park may be remote, but it is accessible to visitors willing to embark on an adventure. The closest airport is Makokou, from where travellers can reach the park via local roads. Visitors typically fly into Libreville, the capital city of Gabon, and then travel to Makokou by either domestic flights or overland routes. Once in Makokou, travel to the park is usually organized through tour operators offering guided trips and transport services.

For travellers looking for an immersive, nature‑centric experience, guided tours are available, including multi-day expeditions that include camping in the park, guided hikes, and stays in eco‑lodges. These tours are designed to provide access to remote areas of the park, with the opportunity to witness the park’s biodiversity up close.

Conservation Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its protected status, Ivindo National Park faces ongoing conservation challenges, primarily from illegal logging, poaching, and human encroachment. Gabon’s government, along with international conservation bodies, is working to address these issues through sustainable resource management and by enhancing community involvement in the protection efforts. The park is also part of a larger initiative in Gabon to promote eco-tourism as a sustainable economic alternative to destructive practices.

The future of Ivindo National Park depends on continued global cooperation and local action to ensure the preservation of its rich ecosystems. As more visitors flock to this breathtakingly beautiful location, it’s crucial to maintain the balance between conservation and tourism to safeguard the region’s wildlife and its place in global ecological efforts.

Ivindo National Park: A Living Sanctuary for Nature and Wildlife

Ivindo National Park is one of Africa’s last untouched wildernesses, and its UNESCO World Heritage Site status solidifies its place as an essential global biodiversity reserve. With its extraordinary mix of waterfalls, forests, wildlife, and conservation efforts, Ivindo is a must‑visit destination for any eco-tourist or nature enthusiast seeking to explore Central Africa in its purest form. By visiting this park, travellers not only gain a deeper appreciation of the natural world but also contribute to preserving this invaluable part of Gabon’s heritage.

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