Introduction to the Maya World Experiences Catalog
On September 10, Quintana Roo will present the first Maya World Experiences Catalog, endorsed by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Key Participants in the Presentation
The presentation will feature Josefina Rodríguez, head of the Federal Tourism Secretariat (SECTUR); Governor Mara Lezama; and tourism secretaries from Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco, and Quintana Roo.
Catalog Criteria and Impact
Bernardo Cueto Riestra, Quintana Roo’s Tourism Secretary, explained that the catalog underwent rigorous sustainability criteria and certifications. The document carries UNESCO’s seal, highlighting communities and their environments.
The catalog includes Maya Ka’an, along with two additional routes in Rio Hondo and Lázaro Cárdenas. This project aims to bring development through tourism while promoting social and sustainable programs.
Quintana Roo’s Tourism Routes
A total of five tourism routes in Quintana Roo will connect with the Maya Train stations, enabling visitors to explore and enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The catalog is expected to establish the Maya Train as the primary vehicle linking almost all cultural, historical, gastronomic, and tourism offerings of the Maya World.
Community Integration and UNESCO Recognition
The catalog’s development is part of a broader effort to integrate communities into the tourism landscape, ensuring their cultures are respected and preserved.
UNESCO has recognized several Maya World sites as World Heritage, emphasizing the significance of their archaeological ruins, forests, and cultural heritage.
- Chichen Itza: A renowned Maya city with iconic architecture, including the Kukulkan Pyramid.
- Calakmul: A major Maya archaeological site in the heart of the Mexican jungle.
- Sian Ka’an: A biosphere reserve and UNESCO World Heritage site, home to diverse wildlife and Maya archaeological sites.
- Collaboration with Maya Communities: UNESCO works with Maya communities in Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Yucatán to develop sustainable cultural and community tourism.
The Maya World region spans 241,784 square kilometers across Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Yucatán.
