Keynote Speaker: Miguel Quintana

A visionary entrepreneur and creator of unique tourism concepts, he is recognized as one of the most important business leaders in Mexico’s tourism industry. He is regarded as a model for making creativity and innovation among his greatest strengths. Miguel Quintana Pali was born on September 2, 1946, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. He is the son of a father from Puebla and a Hawaiian mother. 

He studied architecture at Universidad Iberoamericana. As he did not complete his degree, he says he does not deserve the title; however, his knowledge, creativity, and talent are evident in every space at Xcaret Park, as well as in a wide range of works of his own authorship. For this reason, he is publicly recognized as a distinguished architect. 

In 1971, he ventured into contemporary design in the field of decorative items and gifts, founding the “Diseño” stores. 

In 1978, he opened “Tiendas Pali,” focusing on furniture and decorative items from around the world, distributed through six showrooms in Mexico City and by direct mail throughout the rest of the country. 

In 1986, he founded “Promotora Xcaret” to launch the project. In 1989, his current partners—brothers Oscar, Marcos, and Carlos Constandse—joined the venture. At the end of 1990, Xcaret Park opened its doors to the public. 

Over more than 34 years, he has consolidated Grupo Xcaret as the leading organization in sustainable tourism recreation. Today, it operates the parks Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xoximilco, and Xenses; the tour divisions Xenotes and Xichén; the maritime company Xailing, with ferries and catamarans; and Hoteles Xcaret, including Hotel Xcaret México, Hotel Xcaret Arte, and La Casa de la Playa. Together, these operations served more than 6 million travelers in 2024. 

Miguel Quintana’s business career extends beyond the development of Grupo Xcaret. He has consistently been committed to promoting Mexican culture. In 1992, he founded the printing company Pixel Press in Cancún. Later, in 1997, he founded “La Voz de México.” That same year, the company developed the tourism guides “Mapa Guía” and “Mapa Restaurante,” as well as publishing the Cancún edition of the Miami Herald (1996); Reforma, Quintana Roo edition (1999); “La Voz del Caribe”; and the Quintana Roo edition of USA Today (2002). In 1999, the company also launched “Vive México” magazine to showcase the country’s natural and cultural richness. 

Seeking to create spaces and platforms for cultural expression, Miguel Quintana founded “Cultura y Tradiciones de México” in 1999. Through this company, he oversaw the construction of the Teatro de Cancún, located at “El Embarcadero,” where a wide range of artistic performances are currently presented for the local community. 
Quintana Pali has centered his business strategy on sustainable tourism recreation, guided by core principles such as respect for human dignity, the care of natural resources, the preservation of Mexican customs and traditions, adherence to national identity and core cultural values, and the promotion of local and national economic development. 

In September 2011, the Government of Quintana Roo awarded him the “Antonio Enríquez Savignac” Tourism Merit Medal for being one of the strongest promoters of tourism development in the state. 

In June 2012, Quintana Pali received the CNET Tourism Leadership Award. 

In November 2012, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) presented Grupo Xcaret with the Ulysses Award for Innovation in Enterprises, recognizing its contributions to the conservation of Quintana Roo’s natural and cultural heritage and its commitment to sustainability. 

In November 2013, he received the Tourism Business Merit Award from the Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (CONCANACO). 

In November 2018, he received the Liseberg Applause Award as the best park in the world during the annual IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) event. 
In 2019, he authored the book Xueños: The Story Behind Xcaret, the Best Park in the World, currently in its second edition, with nine reprints between 2021 and 2023. 

In April 2024, he received recognition from Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, for his outstanding commitment to sustainable tourism, the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, and the well-being of local communities. 

In June 2024, Universidad Euro Hispanoamericana awarded him an honorary doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) in recognition of his distinguished business career, his leadership in sustainable tourism, and his tireless work to elevate Mexico’s natural and cultural richness. 

Today, Miguel Quintana Pali is driving Grupo Xcaret’s growth by expanding the creation of unique, sustainable tourism products in both Quintana Roo and Yucatán, as well as strengthening its presence in the hospitality industry. 

Miguel Quintana affirms that he will continue working every day of his life, creating projects that allow him to share with the world his deep love for Mexico and the boundless natural and cultural richness of the country.