Grupo Xcaret wins the 2025 Arival Award for Inclusion for Manos Xuaves, a project that integrates sign language and hearing-impaired talent into its most iconic cultural show.
This international recognition positions Xcaret as a global leader in accessible, diverse, and sustainable tourism, paving the way for greater inclusion within the tourism industry.
Xcaret, Playa del Carmen, October 2, 2025. Grupo Xcaret was honored with the Inclusive Operator Award during Arival 360, the premier international event for the tours, activities, and experiences industry. Presented by Arival, the award recognizes organizations that set new benchmarks for innovation, creativity, and inclusion.
Grupo Xcaret received the award for its Manos Xuaves program, an initiative that integrates Mexican Sign Language interpreters—including staff members with hearing impairments—into the Xcaret México Espectacular show. Through this effort, the group aims to ensure that deaf visitors and people with diverse abilities can enjoy a complete and meaningful cultural experience.
The project was developed in collaboration with civil society organizations such as Manos Especiales, allowing the program’s artistic and pedagogical design to be tailored to the needs of the deaf community. In addition to sign language interpretation during key moments—including a live performance of the song “México en la Piel”—the initiative provides preferential seating areas and specialized stage training for the interpreters.
Manos Xuaves also fosters the professional development of staff members with hearing impairments, who receive training in stage presence and inclusive communication. This enhances both the quality of the show and career growth opportunities for Mexican talent.
With this initiative, Grupo Xcaret aims to make inclusion a natural part of the tourism experience, highlighting projects that bring Mexican culture to all audiences, free from barriers. Upon receiving the Arival Spotlight Award for Inclusion, Grupo Xcaret reaffirms its commitment to a tourism model that promotes accessibility, diversity, and cultural sustainability, helping to position Mexico as an international benchmark for inclusive practices within the tourism industry.
