Mexico is reinforcing its dedication to sustainable tourism by creating new economic opportunities that not only foster conservation efforts but also enhance community development. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Mexico Tourism Board, various Mexican government tourism entities, the World Heritage Alliance (WHA), Expedia, Inc., and the United Nations Foundation. The goal is to educate Expedia representatives and local community members in Mexico on protecting the nation's rich biodiversity and empowering rural communities through entrepreneurship.
In a move to intertwine the livelihoods of local communities with the principles of sustainable tourism, Mexico is taking significant strides to promote conservation while simultaneously expanding rural incomes. This approach is not only environmentally responsible but also economically beneficial, providing a model for sustainable development that other nations can emulate.
Earlier this year, Expedia employees visited Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to collaborate with Community Tours Sian Ka'an (CTSK), a predominantly Mayan-owned tourism cooperative. CTSK is dedicated to protecting the region's unique mix of coral reefs, mangroves, clear deep water pools, and forests, which are becoming increasingly popular with tourists venturing south from Cancun and the Riviera Maya. This partnership aims to ensure that tourism growth does not come at the expense of the environment.
Francisco Lopez Mena, CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board, expressed pride in the benefits that local communities are reaping from such initiatives. He highlighted CTSK as a prime example of how local communities can be equipped with entrepreneurial skills while safeguarding the environment and providing visitors with enriching experiences.
CTSK's success is evident in its revenue growth, which has surged by more than 125 percent. The cooperative was also honored with the Equator Prize, awarded biannually to the world's most innovative community sustainable development projects.
Mexico's Tourism Secretary, Rodolfo Elizondo, emphasized the critical role of tourism in creating a constituency for conservation. He stressed the importance of empowering local communities to bring about significant financial and environmental benefits for everyone to enjoy.
Under Elizondo's leadership in 2006, Mexico joined the World Heritage Alliance (WHA) as the first national tourism secretariat to do so. By partnering with the WHA, Mexico reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and preserving its 26 World Heritage sites. Mexico boasts a prestigious ranking, being first in the Americas and eighth worldwide in UNESCO sites, with the islands and protected areas in the Gulf of Baja California, declared a World Heritage Site in 2005, as the latest addition.
The Mexican government has also launched the Pueblos Magicos Program, which aims to increase tourism to towns near large cities or other tourist attractions that have historic or religious significance. Established in 2001, this program coordinates efforts across various levels of government and channels funds to diversify and enhance tourism infrastructure, thereby providing economic benefits to local inhabitants.
While the Pueblos Magicos Program primarily focuses on cultural tourism, it also encompasses eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and rural tourism. The program empowers townspeople to initiate and manage the development process, and once a town is designated as a Pueblo Magico, it receives funding to modernize regional businesses related to the tourism industry. These grassroots efforts are vital to the tourism sector's dynamism and foster an entrepreneurial spirit.
The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) is a collaborative agency that promotes Mexico's tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Founded in 1999, the MTB is comprised of federal and state governments, municipalities, and private companies. With offices around the globe, the MTB is a testament to Mexico's proactive approach to tourism promotion.
For more information on Mexico's sustainable tourism efforts and destinations, visit the Mexico Tourism Board's official website.
For inquiries, please contact: Erick Laseca Mexico Tourism Board 312-228-0571 ext14 erick.laseca@bm.com
Interesting statistics and facts about sustainable tourism in Mexico and globally are not widely discussed. For instance, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the global sustainable tourism market is expected to grow significantly, with a strong emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria among travelers. Mexico, with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. Additionally, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has highlighted the importance of tourism in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with Mexico's initiatives aligning with these global objectives.
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