Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is celebrating its 20th anniversary of operations in Mexico.

The Spanish hotel chain debuted in Playa del Carmen with the openings of the Iberostar Tucan and Iberostar Quetzal in the late 1990s and has since expanded to 10 hotels throughout Mexico, each of which has been awarded the Green Globe Certification for efforts and achievements in sustainability every year since 2015.

Iberostar has contributed investments exceeding $775 million and the creation of more than 4,500 direct jobs in Mexico over the course of its first two decades in the destination.

The company also recently launched the Wave of Change sustainability project focused on three main areas: the reduction of plastic pollution, the promotion of sustainable fishing and the conservation of coral reefs and protection of the Mediterranean Sea.

"We are very delighted and grateful to celebrate this meaningful milestone and to have been able to provide great life experiences to millions of visitors over the years," said Aurelio Vazquez, COO at Iberostar Group, in a statement.

"We are as committed to Mexico as the first day and proud of our contribution to tourism in the destination, which is preferred by so many travelers at a global level; and we look forward to many more decades of partnership and growth."

Looking ahead, Iberostar has plans to expand its portfolio in Mexico, including the opening of a new 13-story tower in its Cancun Golf and Spa Complex later this year. Once completed, the tower will boast 154 luxury suites overlooking the shoreline, a new bar, restaurant and pool.

The brand has also announced a new hotel in Los Cabos and a second Iberostar property in Litibu. The former was purchased last November and comprises more than 43 million square feet and over a mile of beachfront in Zacaton.

Iberostar's overall portfolio is comprised of more than 100 properties across 17 countries in three different continents.