Tulum Fights to Keep Its ‘Pueblo Mágico’ Status

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Tulum is maintaining its designation as a "Pueblo Mágico" and is currently working on the renewal of its brand use agreement, following a process of updating documentation required by the new guidelines from the Federal Secretary of Tourism, according to the local Director General of Tourism, Carla Patricia Andrade Piedras.

In an interview prior to the start of the Tianguis Nacional de Pueblos Mágicos, which will take place from November 13 to 16 in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Andrade Piedras explained that in recent years, confusion had been generated regarding Tulum's permanence in the program due to administrative and operational changes implemented at the federal level. However, she assured that the municipality has not lost the designation and continues to meet all the characteristics established by the federal program's guidelines.

"There were many changes on the part of the Federal Secretary of Tourism; the rules of operation and guidelines were modified, so we had to update the entire file. We are not losing the designation; we continue to be a Pueblo Mágico. Now what is required is to complete the renewal of the brand use agreement," stated the official.

Furthermore, Andrade Piedras highlighted that the current administration seeks to promote Tulum's cultural and gastronomic attractions, beyond sun and beach tourism. In this sense, the municipality's participation in tourism fairs and events will be focused on reinforcing the cultural identity that distinguishes the region.

Regarding federal support, the director recalled that the special fund for Pueblos Mágicos was suspended starting in 2017, although specific programs for urban maintenance currently exist, such as the rehabilitation of facades in emblematic areas. In the coming days, she said, it will be announced which avenues and public spaces will receive these benefits.

"We are trying to attract as many federal programs as possible for Tulum in the coming year," she affirmed.

Finally, she reported that the average hotel occupancy rate from last weekend remained at around 70 percent, not including all-inclusive establishments, a figure that reflects the constant tourist influx in the town center and the municipality's beaches.