Nine Zona Maya Communities Earn Federal Community Tourism Certification in Quintana Roo

Betania, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo — Nine community tourism initiatives from the Zona Maya of Quintana Roo have received the federal Tourism Secretariat’s Community Tourism Distintivo, or badge, at a ceremony held in the village of Betania, south of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

Officials said the recognition honors the projects’ work to preserve local traditions, cultural identity and the region’s natural resources. Representatives of the Community-Based Tourism Network handed out the certificates to a gathering that included entrepreneurs, community members, students, advisers and technical teams that have supported the ventures.

Selva Morena certified after two years of preparation

Among the recognized projects was Selva Morena, a community enterprise that secured the badge after two years of preparation and support from educational institutions and organizations that work with local projects.

Kristel Hadid, one of the beneficiaries, said the distinction marks progress for the venture and reflects the effort of local families, along with backing from the Community-Based Tourism Network, the National Technological Institute of Mexico (TecNM) campus in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, and Mayma, a group that promotes entrepreneurship.

She said the certification is another step toward consolidating Selva Morena and toward wider recognition of the work Maya families carry out in their communities.

Program aims to strengthen tourism rooted in Maya identity

The Community Tourism Distintivo forms part of a national strategy the Tourism Secretariat has pursued since 2025 to recognize tourism providers that bring communities directly into the management of experiences tied to their cultural and natural heritage.

In March 2026, the federal government declared community tourism a matter of public interest and national priority. Under that policy, Maya Ka’an in Quintana Roo was among three destinations initially selected to receive support through the National Fund for Tourism Development (Fonatur).

The model is designed to let communities take part directly in providing tourism services and keep a larger share of the revenue the activity generates, while maintaining their traditions and their natural surroundings.

Universities and organizations back local ventures

During the ceremony in Betania, participants held working sessions to exchange experiences and examine ways to strengthen their businesses.

The event closed with a community gathering. Network representatives credited the Higher Technological Institute of Felipe Carrillo Puerto for its role in preparing and supporting the certified initiatives, and thanked the federal Tourism Secretariat for its backing of efforts to professionalize service providers and raise the profile of tourism experiences in the Zona Maya.