Playa del Carmen, or Xaman Ha, is an increasing tourist destination and one of the fastest-growing cities in Mexico. The Riviera Maya had 25,000 hotel rooms in 2010 and saw building approval granted for an additional 70,000. The increase will cause further growth for the town of Playa del Carmen. Local businessman Jack Perlman commented in USA Today that although Playa del Carmen was a "bustling, vibrant spot" today, it was a "quiet, little town with beach shacks" 17 years' ago.
Xaman Ha was a resting stop for ancient peoples travelling from the Mayan cities to the island of Cozumel. Famous Mayan ruins close to Playa del Carmen include Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum.
Playa del Carmen was originally a small fishing village but achieved tourist success with the launch of the passenger ferry to the nearby island of Cozumel, famed for its excellent scuba diving. Cancun Airport is the closest airport to Playa del Carmen for international arrivals, although the town is also a popular vacation destination for Mexicans. The climate is sub-tropical, with an average annual high of 80 F.
