Quintana Roo reinvents tourism by showcasing Mayan Culture
MÉXICO » News » October 2023 » Quintana Roo reinvents tourism by showcasing Mayan Culture
Published by Juan F. Calero on October 19, 2023
In a bid to move beyond its well-established reputation as a sun and beach destination, Quintana Roo, a sought-after Mexican state, is embracing its rich Mayan heritage to offer tourists a more immersive and culturally enriching experience. Despite hosting over 20 million visitors last year, Quintana Roo is now setting its sights on a new model of tourism, and the Secretary of Tourism, Bernardo Cueto, unveiled the details of this transformation at the Tourism Innovation Summit in Seville.
Cueto emphasized that Quintana Roo’s economy heavily relies on tourism, with 85% of its economic activity tied to the industry. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for change, highlighting the need for more meaningful travel experiences. Cueto explained, “For a long time, the model was based on large resorts, very comfortable for the traveler. As a result of COVID, we have confirmed that tourists want something more: to live experiences.”
To meet this evolving demand, Quintana Roo is reviving the Mayan civilization, primarily in Maya Ka’an, located at the heart of the state. Cueto emphasized the uniqueness of this ancient culture as a competitive advantage, not only in terms of archaeological sites but also through the living Mayan communities that can share their traditions and heritage with tourists. He stated, “It is important, despite its popularity, to strengthen the personality of our destinations. People no longer seek to know the place, but to live it.”
This strategic shift involves close collaboration between the public and private sectors, who have aligned their agendas to ensure the region’s success. Among the challenges in this transition is the need to make changes in a sustainable and responsible manner. The State Tourism Law in Quintana Roo includes a Sustainable Tourism Master Plan that incorporates Agenda 2030 criteria in tourism and urban development plans. This regulation also encompasses environmental, natural, and historical heritage aspects. Travelers themselves are encouraged to be responsible, considering the environmental and cultural impact of their actions while exploring Quintana Roo.
Technology plays a crucial role in this transformation, serving as a tool to enhance the tourist experience. Cueto highlighted the significance of artificial intelligence in analyzing tourist operations and solving problems. He noted, “Artificial intelligence comes with new schemes for public and private services. It is vital for a destination to adapt to these trends, aware that tourism is a changing activity. The traveler is no longer the same, and we must offer them a differential and diversified product.”
Quintana Roo’s evolution from a traditional sun and beach destination to a cultural and sustainable tourism hub represents a significant shift in the travel industry. By focusing on its Mayan heritage and embracing technology, the state aims to provide travelers with unforgettable experiences while preserving its natural and cultural treasures for generations to come.
More Recent News about Tourism in México
Mexico Ranks Among Top 10 Global Tourist Favorites
Mexico has secured its position among the top 10 most favored tourist destinations worldwide, according to official figures from the Secretariat of Tourism (Sectur), reflecting robust growth in various tourism indicators such as foreign direct investment, visitor spending, and international traveler income.… Read More
New Italy-Cancun Route Boosts Tourism in Quintana Roo
Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa recently unveiled plans for a new air route linking Italy and Cancun, operated by the Italian airline Neos. Commencing on December 22nd, Neos will operate direct flights from Italy to Cancun every Sunday.… Read More
Thousands to Participate in the Xtrail Deprivé Challenge at Bernal Vineyards
Celebrating a decade since its inception, the Xtrail Deprivé Challenge emerges as the foremost national race, set to witness the participation of two thousand runners across the picturesque vineyards of Bernal.… Read More
Mexico Sees Decline in Tourist Currency Attraction
In 2023, Mexico experienced a notable setback in its quest to attract tourist spending, slipping five places in the global ranking for foreign currency collection compared to the preceding year. According to the latest data from the UN Tourism, Mexico landed at the 15th spot, despite amassing a historic sum of 30,809.5 million dollars in tourist revenue.… Read More
Mazatlán Experiences Surge in Visitors
Ricardo “Pity” Velarde Cárdenas, the head of the Ministry of Tourism in Sinaloa, has highlighted a notable increase in visitors to Mazatlán over the recent election weekend. According to Velarde, the city witnessed a significant rise in occupancy levels, with tourists flocking to the destination to enjoy its offerings while also demonstrating a sense of responsibility towards participating in the democratic process.… Read More
US Production House Boosts Mexican Film in Hidalgo
In an effort to bolster the Mexican film industry, American production company Enfant & Poulet has embarked on an audiovisual project spanning across several municipalities in the state of Hidalgo.… Read More
Discover the Magic of Manzanillo’s Agave Route
Manzanillo, a coastal gem in Colima, traditionally known for its sun-soaked beaches, is now diversifying its tourist offerings with the introduction of the Agave Route. This innovative addition allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history, traditions, and flavors surrounding Mexico’s iconic agave plant.… Read More
Coral Reefs Vanishing: Quintana Roo Beaches at Risk
The erosion of Quintana Roo’s beaches is a looming threat that could intensify from 2030 onwards due to the loss of the Mesoamerican Reef System (SAM) as a result of climate change, experts warn.… Read More
Mexico Prepares for Landmark Election: First Female President in Sight
This Sunday, approximately 98 million Mexicans will cast their votes in a historic election, potentially ushering in the country’s first female president. The election pits Claudia Sheinbaum of the ruling coalition, Let’s Keep Making History, against Xóchitl Gálvez of the opposition alliance, Force and Heart for Mexico, with Jorge Álvarez Máynez of the Citizen Movement also in the race.… Read More
New Air Routes Boost Tourism in Mérida
Mérida is set to enhance its international tourism through the introduction of new air routes. The Director of Economic Development and Tourism of Mérida, José Luis Martínez Semerena, announced partnerships with airlines such as Viva Aerobus to establish direct flights between Mérida and Bogotá, with a layover in Cancún.… Read More
Puerto Vallarta Shines Among World’s Best Free Attractions
Puerto Vallarta, a popular Mexican tourist destination, has been recognized as one of the top 20 places in the world for its outstanding free attractions. The ranking, conducted by NeoMam Studios on behalf of CashNetUSA, places Puerto Vallarta in the 15th spot globally, highlighting its appeal to budget-conscious travelers.… Read More
Mazatlán Welcomes Over 35,000 Cruise Ship Visitors in May
Mazatlán has concluded the month of May with a remarkable influx of over 35,000 cruise ship visitors, according to the Sinaloa Secretary of Tourism. This significant increase in tourism was marked by the arrival of the Carnival Panorama cruise ship on Wednesday.… Read More
Mexico Attracts $469.2 Million in FDI for Tourism
Mexico sees significant growth in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the tourism sector, attracting $469.2 million in the first quarter of 2024, a notable increase from $378.3 million in the same period of 2019, according to Tourism Secretary Miguel Torruco Marqués.… Read More
Discover the Enchanting Marfil in Guanajuato
Marfil, a quaint and often overlooked area in Guanajuato, boasts a unique charm that harks back to picturesque Italian villages. This hidden gem, known as the Antiguo Camino a Marfil, is a magical spot filled with history, nature, and allure.… Read More
Culiacán Aims to Boost Meeting and Culinary Tourism
The State Tourism Department is focusing on making Culiacán a leading destination for meeting and culinary tourism, according to Ricardo Velarde Cárdenas, the acting head of Tourism in Sinaloa.… Read More
National Durango Fair 2024 Set to Attract Over a Million Visitors
Durango’s National Fair 2024, named “Francisco Villa,” is expected to attract more than a million attendees, with a significant portion being tourists visiting during the vacation season, stated Elisa María Haro Ruiz, Durango’s Secretary of Tourism. The event aims to boost tourism and economic activity in the region.… Read More
Tourist attractions in México
Ecotourism and Adventure
Mexico is one of the best countries for Ecotourism as it has a great variety of flora and fauna, as well as a large number of refuges for extraordinary species. You can enjoy recreational activities of appreciation and knowledge of nature through contact with it, such as: stargazing, observation of natural attractions, wildlife and bird watching. Throughout México there are more than 176 protected natural areas, 5 of them considered by UNESCO as Natural Heritage of Humanity. Just for this and much more, we believe that Mexico is a Paradise for Ecotourism.… Read More
Capital Cities
Folklore, gastronomy, literary culture, art and exhibitions, is what you will find in the capitals of the states of Mexico. To the north, colonial Mexico, Puebla, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, the Sonoran desert and the California peninsula. To the east Veracruz and the gulf. To the west Acapulco, Oaxaca and Tuxtla Gutiérrez. And to the south the Riviera Maya and the pyramids of Chichén-Itzá, Tulúm and Cobá in Yucatán, Palenque in Chiapas, the cenotes, and the Central American jungles.… Read More
Beaches
On the Beaches of Mexico you can immerse yourself in the intense blue ocean of the Pacific bays, sunbathe on the shore of the warm and transparent waves of the Caribbean Sea in Quintana Roo or even rest on the beautiful coasts of the Gulf of Mexico. Mexican beaches hide wonderful secrets for the traveler. By visiting them, in addition to enjoying the excellent climate and water activities, you can discover splendid archaeological sites and interesting colonial cities without traveling long distances.… Read More
Gastronomy
The Gastronomy of Mexico has a great diversity of typical dishes, which is why it was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The basic and representative ingredients of Mexican dishes are: corn, coriander, chili, beans, piloncillo, nopal and tomato. Mexican cuisine is also characterized by its sauces, which serve as an accompaniment to traditional dishes, prepared based on spices.… Read More
States Of Mexico
Mexico has an incredible diversity of landscapes, where the beauty of its beaches, internationally recognized, stands out. In its vast territory of coasts, there are beaches of unparalleled beauty, and colorful landscapes. A large network of first-class hotels and tourist services is available to visitors to these beaches. Mexico is also mystical places, dotted with archaeological testimonies inherited from its original inhabitants. Monuments made by the Mayas, Aztecs and Toltecs are located in magical landscapes, like lighthouses in an ocean of natural beauty. They offer visitors buildings that tell their history, and museums that collect their cultural heritage. And that keep alive ancestral traditions, in ceremonies and festivals, where you can enjoy cultural activities and entertainment.… Read More
Archaeological Sites
The Archaeological Zones are the cultural past of every Mexican. You will be amazed at the ambient, nature and the environment that surrounds them. Climbing to the top or being around it will take us back in time to admire every detail. México is a country of culture and traditions, many of which we have inherited from the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of this vast territory, although it is true that there were more settlements in the central and southern part of the country, it is also possible to find some archaeological remains in the north.
… Read More
Traditions in Mexico
It is practically impossible to make a meticulous, and above all, accurate selection of the places to visit in Mexico. Each place that our country houses is unique and beautiful in its own way. Mexico, with its nearly 2 million km², has a large number of scenarios to offer, as well as endless activities to do. Do not lose your way and enter the places to visit in Mexico. In Mexico, apart from the beaches and its famous archaeological sites, there are many other really interesting sites and activities that you should know. In the surroundings of the main cities you will find places full of culture and tradition, where you can spend relaxing, interesting and fun vacations. On your trip through Mexico you cannot stop obtaining souvenirs, the crafts that are made here are of the highest quality and recognized worldwide. A shopping tour cannot be missed.… Read More
Magical Towns
A Magical Town is a place with symbols and legends, towns with history that in many cases have been the scene of transcendent events for our country, they are places that show the national identity in each of its corners, with a magic that emanates from its attractions ; visiting them is an opportunity to discover the charm of Mexico. The Magical Towns Program contributes to revalue a set of populations in the country that have always been in the collective imagination of the nation and that represent fresh and varied alternatives for national and foreign visitors. A town that through time and in the face of modernity, has conserved, valued and defended its historical, cultural and natural heritage; and manifests it in various expressions through its tangible and intangible heritage. A Magical Town is a town that has unique, symbolic attributes, authentic stories, transcendent events, everyday life, which means a great opportunity for tourist use, taking into account the motivations and needs of travelers.… Read More