“Federal Tourism Secretary Impressed by Quintana Roo’s Sustainable Initiatives”

The incoming Federal Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez, recently embarked on an informal tour of Quintana Roo. She visited major tourist attractions, including Maya Ka'an, where she was impressed by the sustainable activities that incorporate Mayan communities as key participants.

Bernardo Cueto Riestra, the state's tourism secretary, shared that Rodríguez praised the cultural and natural wealth of Maya Ka'an. "She left with a very positive impression. Maya Ka'an is a unique destination," Cueto said during a Radio Fórmula interview.

The region has seen growth with the introduction of new tourist attractions such as the Felipe Carrillo Puerto Museum and the Jaguar Park. These additions complement the existing offerings in the area.

Rodríguez's visit also included an overview of the progress of the Maya Train and the tourist infrastructure promoted by the government. These efforts aim to solidify the region as one of Mexico's premier destinations.

"We are confident that we will form a strong partnership with the incoming government. Our governor, Mara Lezama, shares the vision of the future president," Cueto stated.

Rodríguez particularly lauded the community tourism model of Maya Ka'an. In this model, the communities themselves decide how to develop tourist attractions, with the support of the state government and international organizations like UNESCO.

Collaborations with companies like Google are also in progress to geolocate restaurants, hotels, and recreational areas in the region.

Cueto Riestra noted that during a recent long weekend, Quintana Roo destinations saw occupancies of up to 70%. However, he acknowledged that a shortage of flight availability due to aircraft reviews has affected domestic visitor numbers.

Despite this, he anticipates that by the end of 2024, airlines will begin to regularize flight availability, allowing for a gradual recovery of domestic tourism.

Cueto concluded by emphasizing the importance of the European market. While not the largest, it is characterized by high spending power and extended stays.

"We will be enhancing our promotion in Europe, with the opening of new air routes, including a direct flight from Europe to Tulum International Airport. This will undoubtedly help to consolidate our destination in the coming months," he concluded.