“Wasn’t he a perfume salesman before all this?” Someone in the crowd always asks that question when they first see the monument to Alberto Bojórquez Pérez.
Right here stands a tribute to a true visionary. Alberto Bojórquez Pérez was a pioneer of tourism in Cancún. This monument commemorates his invaluable contributions.
In 1974 Alberto Bojórquez Pérez opened the first hotel in Cancún. It had just 24 rooms. This marked the beginning of organized tourism in the city. Today Cancún is a world-famous destination.
Before his foray into hotels Alberto Bojórquez was a perfume salesman. In 1971, his love for his homeland led him to meet President Luis Echeverría Álvarez. He explained the importance of Quintana Roo. He saw its potential as a tourist destination. His words convinced the President.
Echeverría then ordered Infratur and Banco de México to start the Cancún project. Bojórquez requested the first piece of land as an investor. He also asked for financial support. Both were granted. This motivated him to become a significant figure in national tourism.
Alberto and his wife Delfina Bojórquez Patrón also founded Viajes Bojórquez. This travel agency became a national and international landmark.
The former President Luis Echeverría honored Bojórquez. He named one of Cancún’s lagoons Laguna de Bojórquez. This recognized Bojórquez’s vision and dedication.
Alberto Bojórquez Pérez not only boosted tourism in Cancún. He also helped develop other destinations. These included Huatulco Ixtapa and Los Cabos. He created jobs and attracted investment to Cancún. His influence was crucial. It helped Quintana Roo become a state in October 1974.
In July 2024 a ceremony honored Alberto Bojórquez Pérez. It celebrated 50 years of organized hotels in Cancún. The event was called Bojórquez the Small Giant of Tourism. Local and federal authorities attended. A bust a mural and a plaque were unveiled in his memory.
At the ceremony Javier Eduardo Medina Malagón spoke. He represented the late President Luis Echeverría Álvarez. He recalled how the presidential staff would stay at Bojórquez’s hotel. It was the only place available. President Echeverría recognized Alberto’s work. He named the Laguna de Bojórquez after him.
Alberto Bojórquez Pérez was born in Hunucmá Yucatán in 1919. He was married to Delfina Patrón Mendoza from Motul. They had nine children. He initially sought his fortune in Mexico City.
He guided an area lacking infrastructure. Over years of hard work he shaped Cancún. It became the world-famous tourist destination it is today.
The inscription at the monument reads: It is more just to praise those who know how to do much than those who know much.