Cancun was the first tourist resort integrally planned by FONATUR, the Federal Tourism Development Agency. Since 1973, the area has seen immense dynamism, which has elevated the site to become the world's number one beach attraction.

Cancun is the typical example of a population that has migrated and has grown as a direct and specific consequence of the tourist industry.

In 1974, the residential Population was counted at 7,300 persons, almost totally directed to fishing, but is now a bustling town of more than 850,000 souls.

Because of the prosperity of Cancun, the tourist corridor of the Caribbean coastline - known as the Riviera Maya - has experienced a rapid growth.