Tourism development in Mexico.

Abstract

This chapter analyses tourism development and impacts in Mexico from a sociological perspective. By arguing that tourism development in the country is structurally articulated by the condition of being a developing country, the chapter critically reviews the evolution of tourism development through four major tourism strategies implemented by the Mexican federal government: State Planned Destinations, 'Magic Towns' programme, Ecotourism Projects and Heritage Cities. In so doing, this chapter reveals tourism's economic contribution to the national income, but also documents some of its major socio-economic and cultural drawbacks for local populations. It is concluded that tourism models in Mexico have provided very uneven benefits for their economic agents, though it is relevant that some produce low-quality employment and insufficient income, which stresses poverty and contravenes inclusive development. Practical recommendations are presented to reduce tourism's negative impacts in the country.