Mérida, Yucatán — Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena announced that Yucatán will host the 2026 meeting of the Maya World Alliance, following an agreement reached during the 37th session of the organization held at the 2025 Tianguis Turístico México. The decision underscores Yucatán’s role in promoting the cultural and economic potential of the Maya region.
Strengthening Maya Heritage and Tourism
Governor Díaz Mena emphasized that the relaunch of the Maya World Organization, with Mexico assuming the presidency, aims to bolster tourism in destinations tied to the Maya cultural circuit. He also revealed that Yucatán will host the "Ki Huik" Maya World Tourism Fair, an event designed to showcase the cultural, artisanal, and gastronomic wealth of Maya regions across participating states and countries.
During his address, Díaz Mena highlighted Yucatán’s advancements as a leading cultural destination in the Americas. He detailed immersive experiences in Maní, Maxcanú, Uayma, Tekax, and Santa Elena, which connect visitors with Maya gastronomy, spirituality, art, and daily community life.
The governor cited the Tren Maya as a pivotal project for enhancing tourism infrastructure, with five key stations in Yucatán (Cancún, Chichén Itzá, Izamal, Valladolid, and Mérida) and additional stops in Umán and Tixkokob. He acknowledged federal support, including President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s approval of Tren Maya construction, backed by an investment of 25 billion pesos.
International Collaboration
The meeting included tourism representatives from Maya World Alliance member nations: Regina Cuéllar, El Salvador’s ministerial counselor in Mexico; Reizel Vilorio, Honduras’ deputy tourism minister; and Harris Whitbeck, Guatemala’s tourism minister.
“May the power of our roots guide us toward a future of dignity and prosperity,” Díaz Mena stated.
Tianguis Turístico Highlights
At the tourism summit, Governor Díaz Mena inaugurated the Yucatán Pavilion alongside federal Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodríguez Zamora and Altagracia Gómez Sierra, coordinator of the Mexican government’s Regional Economic Development Advisory Council. The event also featured Darío Flota Ocampo, head of the Secretariat of Tourism Development, and General Óscar David Lozano Águila, director of the Tren Maya, who opened the project’s exhibition stand.
Seventy-five local entrepreneurs promoted Yucatán’s offerings to attendees, reinforcing the state’s economic and cultural appeal.
Key Statements
- Economic Impact: “The goal is to generate economic benefits for our Maya communities,” Governor Díaz Mena affirmed.
- International Participation: Representatives from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala underscored the alliance’s cross-border collaboration.
The 2026 meeting will further solidify Yucatán’s position as a hub for Maya cultural exchange and sustainable tourism development.
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