Author(s)

ALMA R. BOJORQUEZ-VARGAS, ROMANO G. SEGRADO PAVON, MARÍA DENY D. POOT QUINTAL

Abstract

In this study, ecotourism alternatives were identified that could complement the tourism offer in ejido Los Sabinos Numero Dos; which is a rural community located in the area of influence of the Biosphere Reserve-Sierra del Abra Tanchipa; this reserve is located in the Huasteca region of the state of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The methodology carried out consisted of a participatory rural planning. Prior to that, a training workshop course was given for members of this ejido on conceptual issues and origins on nature tourism, sustainable development and the importance of land use planning. The participatory rural technique applied was participatory mapping for the identification of tourism resources with exploitation potential. The ejido members shared their learning and opportunities to open new activities as a new offer of nature tourism. As a result, new initiatives were identified in the form of local sustainable companies based on the potential to expand the tourism offer and allow greater benefits and interests of ejidatarios. It was found that the training course offered criticism, debates and reflections on the potential of its natural and cultural resources for tourism use. Likewise, participatory mapping led ejidatarios to share knowledge, analyse the location of interesting resources for tourism, their current conditions and the identification of new projects to expand the tourism offer.

Keywords

sustainable tourism, Sierra del Abra Tanchipa, community development, participatory Cartography, Huasteca Potosina