Former Secretary of Tourism Promotion of Yucatán, Michelle Fridman, has come under fire for her comments to international media, where she criticized Yucatán’s tourism sector. Fridman, who now serves as the Secretary of Tourism for Jalisco, made a controversial comparison between the two states.
In an interview, Fridman likened her move from Yucatán to Jalisco to upgrading from a Mini Cooper to a luxury suburban. She argued that Jalisco boasts world-class destinations, unlike Yucatán, despite the latter being home to Chichén Itzá, one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Critics argue that during her six-year tenure under Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal, Fridman failed to recognize Yucatán’s economic and tourism potential. Chichén Itzá alone attracts over 3 million visitors annually, generating more than $200 million in economic activity.
Despite managing a substantial budget of 4.22 billion pesos during her term, Fridman’s administration saw only a 9% growth in tourism compared to the previous administration. Allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds have also surfaced, with members of the tourism promotion trust calling for an audit. However, Governor Vila Dosal reportedly protected Fridman from these inquiries.
As Fridman continues her role in Jalisco, the controversy surrounding her tenure in Yucatán remains a point of contention among tourism officials and the public.
Source: El Sol de Yucatan
