A Mayan-themed amusement park and resort has been given the green light after Mexico's government granted the Amikoo development approval to begin construction.

Originally set to be a DreamWorks-themed park, plans were changed to follow a Mayan theme, after officials decided the new theme would better resonate with locals.

Called Amikoo Park, the development will feature more than 40 attractions, shows and restaurants, as well as an archaeology and anthropology museum.

Following the government approval, the park can now start its first phase of construction, which is due to be completed in Q4 2019, with a second phase scheduled to open by 2021.

Once opened, the park is expected to attract annual visitor numbers of around 4.5 million and will also incorporate a 320-bedroom hotel. The park is also expected to generate more than 9,000 jobs for the region.

The project has been in the offing for some time now and was initially announced by Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto and businessman Carlos Peralta in September 2017, however, it has taken until now for it to clear construction approval and get the necessary permits.