Sustainable Tourism: Case Mexico

By Odeeth Lara

Source: Honey Moonsinc, 2010

Tourism & Sustainable TourismSustainable tourism development

means that the places where its developing are growing with

quality, & planning where the investments are used to be

successful in the long term. .

Source: Portal Politico, 2010

Policies of Sustainable Tourism

Give an optimum use of natural resources suitable for tourism development helping to preserve along to the laws of the subject

Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities by preserving its cultural attractions, its traditional values & architecture.

Ensure the development of viable economic activities that provide socio-economic benefits; such as employment opportunities, income generation, & social service to host communities, which contribute to improve living conditions

(General law of tourism, article 3, part XIX)

Tourism Plan 2007-2012

1. Tourism as a national priority2. Improve the competitiveness & diversification of

national tourism by ensuring sustainable tourism development

3. Develop programs to promote quality tourism services & satisfaction

4. Update & strength the tourism sector’s regulatory framework

(National Development Plan for Tourism, 2007-2012 )

Sustainable tourism planning for the destinations

Support for regional, state and local tourism development

Promote the sustainable development of tourism

Promoting the growth of supply Promoting the expansion of

infrastructure

(National Tourism Policy Review of Mexico, 2001)

Sustainable Destinations ?

Acapulco Cabo San Lucas Cancun

Source: Mejores Playas, 2010

Source: Descubra, 2010 Source:Viajes Ole, 2010

Why the policies and planning have not achieved their goals so far?

Lack of commitment Carrying capacity is exceeded Inadequate infrastructure Lack of training support Ruin of protected areas Unsuccessful regulate programs

Source: El Universo, 2010

How can policies & planning improve?

Commitment Create new/more sustainable programs Encouraging people to respect the

environment Respecting protected areas & carry capacity

Source: Portal Politico, 2010

Despite the unsuccessful cases ofsustainable tourism development, planning & policies;

improvement could be made with efficiently if the pertinent organizations develop a vast strategy & create commitment that redirects it into the right

path & helps it to better coordinate with the government, NGOs & private business.

This will be a challenge, however it not impossible.

References

Fondo Nacional de Fomento al Turismo FONATUR, 2010. Ley General de Turismo [Online] (Updated 06 October 2010)Available at:

http://www.fonatur.gob.mx/es/quienes_somos/index_marco.asp?mod=01-TRFON&ind=1 4&subind1=1&subind2=0&sec=6

[Accessed 14 November 2010]Secretaria de Turismo SECTUR, 2010. Programa Sectoria de Turismo 2007-2012 [Online] (Updated 23 March 2010)Available at: http://www.sectur.gob.mx/swb/sectur/sect_programa_sectorial_de_turismo_20072012 [Accessed 14 November 2010]World Tourism Organization UNWTO, 2010. UNWTO Tourism highlights, Edition 2010 [Online] (Updated 2010)Available at: http://www.unwto.org/facts/eng/pdf/highlights/UNWTO_Highlights10_en_HR.pdf[Accessed 14 November 2010]El Universo, 2010. Piramide de Kukulcan [Online] (Updated 5 April 2010)Available at: http://www.eluniverso.com/foto_galeria_1886/[Accessed 14 November 2010]Mejores Playas, 2010. Los Cabos [Online] (Updated 2009)Available at: http://www.mejoresplayas.org/Los-Cabos.html#[Accessed 14 November 2010]Portal Politico, 2010. Xcaret [Online] (Updated 19 August 2010)Available at: http://www.portalpolitico.tv/content/site/module/news/op/displaystory/story_id/10686/format/html/ [Accessed 14 November 2010]Descubra, 2010. La Quebrada [Online] (Updated 21 November 2009) Available at: http://www.descubra.info/turismo-en-acapulco-playa-sol-y-diversion/[Accessed 14 November 2010]Viajes Ole, 2010. Cancun [Online] (Updated 2010)Available at: http://viajesole.com/cancun/[Accessed 14 November 2020]