Mexico promotes community and nature tourism to boost local economies

Nature and community-based tourism are emerging as significant economic opportunities in Mexico, aiming to distribute financial benefits to local municipalities and family businesses. This segment, which represents a global market of approximately $263 billion, caters to travelers seeking authentic experiences, adventure, and gastronomy.

Concanaco Servytur México has called for strengthening the participation of local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) within this sector to diversify tourism benefits beyond traditional corridors. Identified growing destinations include Pérula and Punta Mita in Jalisco and Nayarit, San José del Pacífico in Oaxaca, Sierra Gorda, Real de Catorce, and Bacalar. Additionally, states like Quintana Roo and Tlaxcala are promoting rural and community tourism routes.

The institutional framework for this initiative was strengthened by a decree signed by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo on March 18, 2026. This decree declared community tourism to be of public interest and established the National Coordination for the Promotion of Community Tourism. This body is presided over by FONATUR and includes the secretariats of Tourism, Welfare, Environment, Culture, and the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples.