Yucatán’s Ancestral Cuisine Honored at Madrid Tourism Fair

MADRID, SPAIN — Yucatán reaffirmed its position on the international tourism stage by being ratified as the Iberoamerican Capital of Pre-Columbian Gastronomic Culture during the opening day of the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) 2026.

The recognition, which highlights the history and depth of Yucatecan ancestral cuisine, was presented by Rafael Ansón Oliart, president of the Iberoamerican Academy of Gastronomy, to the Secretary of Tourism Development of the state, Darío Flota Ocampo.

The distinction not only celebrates the culinary legacy of the entity but also supports a work plan that articulates the public, private, and academic sectors, with the objective of strengthening the sustainability of the food value chain.

The participation of the Yucatecan delegation gained special relevance during the opening of the Mexico Pavilion, the guest country of honor in this edition of the fair.

The Secretary of Tourism of the Government of Mexico, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Yucatán space, accompanied by the Mexican ambassador to Spain, Quirino Ordaz Coppel.

In this context, it was highlighted that Yucatán remains one of the national references with the greatest projection in the European market, based on a strategy that combines the promotion of its traditions with innovation in products and tourist experiences.

This momentum is part of the vision of Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena, aimed at strengthening strategic alliances and consolidating the institutional presence of the state in Spain, through an agenda of business meetings and high-level meetings.

In this regard, the head of Sefotur pointed out that the objective is for tourism growth to be reflected in benefits for the entire chain, from agri-food producers to traditional cooks who preserve the Mayan legacy.

In parallel, Yucatán strengthens its role in regional tourism policy, after Mexico assumed the presidency of the Mundo Maya Organization. From this space, Central American countries and the states of southeastern Mexico were called to work in a coordinated manner for a more integrated regional development.