Introduction to Puebla’s Magical Towns
Puebla, Mexico – In an effort to elevate the status of its 12 Magical Towns to Triple-A, the state government plans to invest 100 million pesos (approximately $4.5 million USD) in 2026. This investment will focus on enhancing infrastructure and accessibility for tourists with disabilities.
Understanding Triple-A Status
Carla López-Malo Villalón, the Secretary of Tourism Development in Puebla, explained that Triple-A status recognizes towns with hotels equipped for people with disabilities, making them inclusive and accessible.
Student Involvement in Infrastructure Projects
López-Malo Villalón announced that students from service social and architecture & engineering practices will collaborate on designing projects for these municipalities. These projects will be presented to service providers in the targeted towns.
Importance of Accessible Infrastructure
The secretary emphasized the need for better infrastructure in hotels and across the state to accommodate tourists with disabilities. She stated that these visitors require equal or better attention, and service providers are obligated to meet their needs.
- Essential services for accessible hotels include ramps for wheelchairs, Braille signage, and other accommodations.
- Currently, not all hotels provide these necessary features.
Ongoing Efforts and Collaboration
Throughout 2026, the state will focus on infrastructure projects, training, certifications, and promotion. This process involves collecting and completing information across 35 aspects to further strengthen the Magical Towns.
Funding and Support
These Magical Towns do not receive direct federal funding in recent years. The state government, through the Secretariat of Tourism Development, and the municipalities manage all support. In 2025, the Puebla government provided assistance via a community works program.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are Puebla’s Magical Towns? Puebla’s Magical Towns are 12 designated towns recognized for their cultural and natural beauty.
- What is the goal of the investment? The investment aims to elevate these towns’ status to Triple-A by enhancing infrastructure and accessibility for tourists with disabilities.
- Who is involved in the projects? Students from service social and architecture & engineering practices will collaborate on designing projects for the targeted municipalities.
- What kind of infrastructure improvements are needed? Essential services include ramps for wheelchairs, Braille signage, and other accommodations to make hotels accessible.
- How is funding secured for these projects? The state government, through the Secretariat of Tourism Development and municipal collaboration, manages all support for these projects.
