Quintana Roo Leads Mexico’s Magical Towns Network

Mexico City — In a formal ceremony attended by Quintana Roo Senator and President of the Senate Tourism Commission Eugenio Segura Vázquez, as well as national authorities and representatives from Mexico’s 177 Magical Towns, Bacalar Mayor José Alfredo Contreras Méndez took an oath to lead a national agenda aimed at strengthening cultural, sustainable, and inclusive tourism.

During the same event, Cozumel Mayor José Chacón Méndez was sworn in as Vice President of the National Network of Magical Towns Mayors, reinforcing the Mexican Caribbean’s commitment to national tourism development and solidifying Quintana Roo’s strategic presence in the organization’s leadership.

Under the leadership of Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, Quintana Roo has established itself as a national and international tourism benchmark, now home to four Magical Towns: Bacalar, Isla Mujeres, Tulum, and Cozumel. These destinations showcase the cultural richness of the Mexican Caribbean beyond sun and beaches, offering visitors a deep connection to identity, history, and tradition.

"The appointment of José Alfredo Contreras as president of this important Network recognizes the commitment and vision of Quintana Roo’s Magical Towns. From SEDETUR, we reaffirm our full support to work jointly in strengthening cultural and community tourism, a powerful tool for social transformation and well-being," said Bernardo Cueto Riestra, Quintana Roo’s Secretary of Tourism.

During his speech, Contreras Méndez outlined plans to promote National Thematic Routes: Paths of Magic, which will connect regions under distinctive themes such as Flavors of Mexico or Corners of History. These routes aim to facilitate planning, unite efforts among agencies, transporters, lodging providers, and communities, and ensure travelers experience unforgettable journeys.

Additionally, a National Events Agenda: Celebrations of Our Magic will be created to enhance the promotion of local festivities, boost tourism during low seasons, and provide funding support to towns with fewer resources but equal cultural wealth.

The event was attended by outgoing Network President and Santiago Mayor David de la Peña Marroquín; Vice President of the National Conference of Mexican Municipalities and Moroleón Mayor Alma Denisse Sánchez Barragán; Concanaco President Octavio de la Torre; and 39 mayors from Quintana Roo, Baja California, Baja California Sur, State of Mexico, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Puebla, and Sinaloa, among other distinguished guests.