Xcaret, Riviera Maya, March 6, 2025. Elizabeth Lugo, Executive Director of Parks, Tours, and Ferry Operations at Grupo Xcaret, has been recognized by the renowned magazine Fun World—the official publication of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)—as one of the women transforming the future of the global attractions industry. This recognition highlights her leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence in hospitality and entertainment.
Throughout her career, Elizabeth has played a pivotal role in the evolution of Grupo Xcaret, driving initiatives that have raised quality and service standards in experience-based tourism. One of her most significant achievements was leading her teams at Grupo Xcaret parks to become the first in the world to partner with Forbes Travel Guide. This milestone not only elevated the company to an unprecedented level of hospitality but also marked a turning point for the theme park industry, positioning the parks above any others internationally in terms of customer service standards.
“This recognition reflects the work of a team that believes in innovation, continuous improvement, and always placing the visitor at the heart of everything we do. At Grupo Xcaret, our mission is to offer unforgettable experiences meeting the highest standards, and I am incredibly proud to be part of this industry transformation,” said Elizabeth Lugo.
Since joining Grupo Xcaret, she has been a driving force behind the growth of the parks and tours divisions, and more recently, has led the group’s ferry operations—always with a clear focus: putting the visitor at the center of everything. Her leadership has been instrumental in elevating service quality, integrating hospitality best practices, and strengthening the connection between visitors and Mexico’s natural and cultural richness.
It is no coincidence that Xcaret is recognized as a global leader in customer service and that Elizabeth Lugo is the only woman in Latin America selected by Fun World magazine to join this exclusive group. At Grupo Xcaret, gender equity is a reality: women make up 37% of the workforce across all operational areas, and this figure rises even higher at the top decision-making level, where women lead 42% of the executive team. Furthermore, the gender pay gap does not exist within the company—a significant achievement in a country where equal pay for men and women remains a challenge. This reflects a commitment to equal opportunities based on equal compensation terms, a goal the Group achieved years ago.
IAAPA’s Fun World recognition of Elizabeth Lugo not only celebrates her career achievements but also highlights the importance of female leadership in the attractions industry. Her work continues to inspire future generations of professionals in the sector, demonstrating that innovation and excellence are the path to redefining the future of tourism.
