During the first week of July, Mexican Presidnet Felipe Calderon launched “Mundo Maya 2012” (Mayan World 2012), a tourism program that promotes Mexico’s Mayan cultural legacy throughout 2012.
According to Calderon, “Today we are the 10th power for tourism in the world, and we are working hard to be in the top five. We want the world to know the splendors of the Mayan civilization, with the end goal of positioning Mexico as a privileged and unique touristic destination.”
Between now and December 21st, 2012, when the Mayan calendar officially ends, the Mexican government and secretary of tourism will promote a variety of events in Mexico’s “Mayan World”, or the southeastern part of Mexico, made up of the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas, which include the states of Tabasco, Campeche, and the Quintana Roo’s Riviera Maya.
An aggressive infrastructure investment in roads and facilities will improve access to the various archeological sites scattered throughout Mexico, many of which are unique venues for meetings and events. The Mayan World region is home to six of Mexico’s 27 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most found in any one country.
Through hosting international expositions, conferences, and meetings with leading researchers and specialists, the government hopes to increase tourism to the region, which currently receives an average of 250,000 visitors a month. To improve the region's cultural offerings, they will restore old archeological sites and open new ones, as well as promote dance festivals, concerts, theatrical performances and the region's traditional gastronomy. The hope is that the increased tourism will create jobs and stimulate the region both economically and socially.
Find out more about the Riviera Maya, Chiapas, Campeche, Tabasco and the Yucatan Peninsula, as well as its spaces for meetings, in our Mexico Meetings Network destination guides and venues page.
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Source: The Sacramento Bee
