Maya Ka’an Tourism Model Endorsed by Governor Lezama

Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa is championing the Maya Ka'an tourism management model. This initiative has the backing of the Declaration of the Rural Zone with Tourism Potential and is being hailed as a blueprint for other regions. Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, the incoming Secretary of the Federal Tourism Department (SECTUR), praised the model during her visit to Quintana Roo, stating it aligns with the inclusive vision of Mexico's next president, Claudia Sheinbaum.

Rodríguez Zamora commended Governor Lezama, saying, "Congratulations, Governor, this is exactly what we need to replicate across the country to bring shared prosperity to other regions." She made these remarks while participating in the First Ordinary Session of the Governing Body of Maya Ka'an, alongside Governor Lezama.

Maya Ka’an is a 909,644-hectare region that hosts 76 Maya communities between Felipe Carrillo Puerto and José María Morelos. The area is dedicated to preserving natural and cultural heritage through tourism.

Governor Lezama welcomed the incoming SECTUR head and thanked her for attending the session. She emphasized that the Mayan communities living in the region will play a significant role in the initiative. Lezama also expressed her gratitude to Rodríguez Zamora for taking the time to meet the local people and experience the hospitality of Quintana Roo's residents.

Lezama assured attendees that she, along with Mexico's first female president and the incoming Secretary of Tourism, will continue to collaborate with everyone in Maya Ka'an. This area has seen a 10% growth in tourism, and the aim is to ensure this prosperity benefits the local communities.

Bernardo Cueto Riestra and Andrés Aguilar Becerril, the Secretary and Undersecretary of Tourism respectively, explained that the co-management model of Maya Ka'an aims to ensure tourism success benefits the Mayan communities. The approach focuses on inclusive, respectful, and sustainable development that respects the environment.

In the session, Governor Lezama acknowledged the community companies that form part of the “Caste War Route”. These companies will provide unique experiences for responsible travelers seeking authentic Mayan culture. Many of these travelers will arrive via the Maya Train.

The session highlighted the Governing Body's commitment to sustainable tourism development. This commitment is in line with the reformed Tourism Law and the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan 2030, which emphasizes nature tourism as a key strategy for diversifying and enhancing the competitiveness of Quintana Roo's tourism sector.

The first ordinary session of the Governing Body of Maya Ka’an concluded with the attendance of various key figures, including the incoming Secretary of Tourism of Mexico, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo, Bernardo Cueto Riestra, and honorary president of the Quintana Roo DIF System, Verónica Lezama Espinosa. Other attendees included the general director of the Tourism Promotion Council, Andrés Martínez Reynoso, the municipal president of Tulum, Diego Castañón, and the municipal president of Benito Juárez, Ana Paty Peralta de la Peña.