🌿 Community-Based Tourism Takes the Stage in Mexico
On March 20, 2026, a historic milestone took place for community-based tourism in Mexico.
During the official signing of the Community Tourism Decree by the Federal Government, Román Caamal, General Director of Community Tours Sian Ka’an and President of the Peninsular Alliance for Community-Based Tourism, stood before the Presidency of Mexico, representing hundreds of community enterprises across the country.
This moment is not only symbolic — it reflects more than 25 years of organized effort by Maya communities, who have long worked to build a different model of tourism rooted in territory, culture, and collective well-being.
A National Recognition
On March 23, 2026, the decree was officially published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación, declaring Community-Based Tourism a matter of public interest in Mexico.
This recognition establishes community tourism as a priority for national development, highlighting its role in protecting biocultural heritage, generating local livelihoods, and promoting a more equitable distribution of benefits across territories.
It also reinforces a key principle: tourism can and should be led by the communities who inhabit and care for these places.
A Seat at the Table
Sharing the stage with national leaders and institutions such as the Presidency of Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Governor Mara Lezama, SECTUR, FONATUR, and CONANP, represents a powerful shift: community voices are now part of national decision-making.
A Message from the Territory
From the podium in Tihosuco — a place of deep historical significance for the Maya people — Román delivered a message grounded in identity, resistance, and dignity:
“We are not an attraction. We are hosts, guardians of biocultural heritage, and decision-makers.”
He reminded the audience that community-based tourism began long before it was recognized. What was once dismissed as “ecotourism” has evolved into a movement that is now shaping national policy.
“A peso that enters our enterprises is a peso that circulates within our communities,” he emphasized, highlighting a model where tourism revenue directly benefits local families without intermediaries.
The Impact of the Peninsular Alliance
Today, the Peninsular Alliance for Community-Based Tourism demonstrates the tangible impact of this model:
- ✨ 283 partners
- 💼 +2,600 jobs generated
- 👩🏽🦱 40% women leadership
- 🌳 +7,700 hectares of conserved forest
These numbers represent more than statistics — they reflect a living system where conservation, culture, and economy are deeply interconnected.
What Communities Are Asking For
With this recognition, communities are also clear about what is needed to move forward:
- Security in their territories
- Enforcement of environmental laws
- Dignified infrastructure
- Fair economic incentives
The decree marks an essential step — but true sustainability requires ongoing collaboration between communities, institutions, and society as a whole.
A Vision for the Future
Community-based tourism is not just a type of travel — it is a pathway toward a more just and regenerative future.
It allows communities to remain in their territories, protect their ecosystems, preserve their identity, and share their knowledge with the world in a respectful and meaningful way.
As Román expressed, this vision is also about future generations — ensuring that children and grandchildren can continue to live with dignity while caring for their biocultural heritage.
🎥 Watch This Historic Moment
👇 Watch the official broadcast from the Presidency of Mexico (starting at minute 3:36):
Watch on YouTube
👇 Watch a powerful excerpt from our Director General:
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Why This Matters
At Community Tours Sian Ka’an, we are proud to be part of this movement.
We are not just offering tours — we are part of a collective effort to transform tourism into a tool for conservation, cultural preservation, and community well-being.
Today, that vision is being recognized at the highest level in Mexico.
Join Our Vision
Every journey to Sian Ka’an helps protect the land, empower Maya communities, and regenerate our shared heritage. Thank you for believing in a tourism that serves life.