Cancun, with its turquoise waters and lively nightlife, is a global vacation destination that may feel like it was destined for tourism glory. However its rise as a premier destination was no accident. Instead it was a calculated masterpiece. The Mexican government transformed this small city on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula from a near-deserted jungle into a bustling resort through a bold vision by Mexico’s tourism department in the 1970s. Half As Interesting explored the creation of the mathematically perfect vacation destination.
The Creation of Cancun: A Data-Driven Paradise
In the late 1960s, Mexico eyed a tourism boom fueled by affordable international flights. A growing American middle class had money for vacations. The government tasked Infratur, the Bank of Mexico’s tourism division, with a big challenge. They had to build a world-class resort destination from scratch.
In order to find the perfect location, Infratur took advantage 1970s computer technology to analyze data from thriving resorts like Miami and Acapulco. They evaluated variables like weather patterns, travel accessibility, and tourist preferences, creating a statistical model of the ideal Caribbean getaway. The intensive process pushed the bank’s computers to their limits, prompting Infratur to outsource the work to a California expert.
After narrowing down the potential sites, a team of engineers, economists, and lawyers conducted thorough assessments, examining everything from shark populations to local economies. The winner was a small, snake-filled island off the Yucatan Peninsula, home to just three residents.
The geography was ideal, with minimal natural hazards and a local workforce. Over several years the government transformed this blank canvas into a vibrant city. They constructed hotels, golf courses, schools, hospitals, and 62 miles of sewers. They even built a major international airport to ensure easy access for tourists. The ambitious project turned Cancun into a tourism powerhouse that remains today.
