LOCAL COMMUNITIES UNITE TO STRENGTHEN TOURISM

From the peninsular jungle in Mexico, a group of visionaries embraces the decision of transformation; representatives and authorities of various organizations and institutions signed an agreement with the hope that the Mayan train project, so questioned and so celebrated by many people, will have an impact on the economy of the peninsular communities.

According to those involved, this agreement seeks to formalize joint work in the areas of inclusive economic development and community tourism, in the context of the implementation of the Mayan train development project.

Out of the 11 stations that will be located in the states of Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatán, nine would influence areas where some of the 24 cooperatives and ejidos that make up the Peninsular Alliance for Community Tourism are located.

This alliance was born in 2016, led by community tourism social enterprises to address common problems, and has support from the Autonomous University of Yucatán and the United Nations Development Program.

The agreement, according to the signatories, opens doors for representatives of community enterprises to participate in the development, from design to implementation, and to guarantee respect for their rights and the defense of indigenous territory.

This alliance promotes community-based tourism in the Yucatán Peninsula, integrating 24 community enterprises in three networks in the states of Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatán, which can benefit more than two thousand participants and their families.

The offer of the Peninsular Alliance for Community Tourism includes experiences such as fishing in a biosphere reserve, diving in the jungle of Calakmul, swimming in spectacular cenotes in Yucatán as well as enjoying traditional food.

Also included are waking up next to lagoons; admiring diverse species of exotic birds, reptiles and mammals; being inspired by the Mayan culture and wisdom, with the support of professional guides and in direct connection with inhabitants of native communities.

All of this looks idyllic and apparently well thought out, and good souls hope that the “owners” of the Mayan train are really fair and inclusive and that those responsible for these tourist options in the villages fulfill their proposal.

More information at: https://www.viajaturismocomunitario.com/

Translated by Miguel Sánchez