Elisa María Haro Ruíz, Secretary of Tourism for the State of Durango, arrived at the interview amiably and smiling, amidst the hustle and bustle of the first minutes of the Madrid International Tourism Fair (FITUR).
Cultural wealth of Durango
The head of Tourism affirms that the cultural, historical and tourist wealth of the State of Durango positions it as the cultural capital of northern Mexico.
“With 460 years of history, Durango is home to more than ten museums, including the Pancho Villa Museum, dedicated to one of the most well-known historical figures in Mexico,” said Haro Ruíz.
We are part of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a cultural itinerary recognized by UNESCO that connects Mexico City with New Mexico, in the United States.
Durango has 19 of the 60 points included in this route, more than any other state, thanks to its past as an important capital during the era of New Spain and its mining tradition, which still remains as a relevant economic activity.
Haro Ruiz insists that visitors cannot miss the state’s two Magical Towns: Nombre de Dios and Mapimi, the first of which is very close to the capital, with the same name as the state and which, in addition to being a visit, is the starting point for the rest of the destinations in the state.
Connecting with nature
Ecotourism also occupies a central place in Durango’s offer. The Sierra Madre Occidental corridor connects Durango with Mazatlán through a 200-kilometer route that invites visitors to do activities such as rappelling, zip-lining, climbing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching and astrotourism. The interviewee stressed that these outdoor experiences are ideal for nature and adventure lovers.
Another notable attraction is the Paseo del Viejo Oeste, a unique theme park where numerous classic westerns were filmed starring figures such as John Wayne. Today it offers an immersive experience for visitors, connecting them with the cinematic history of the region. In addition, Durango is the birthplace of illustrious figures such as Guadalupe Victoria, the first president of Mexico, and the international actress Dolores del Río.
A trip of this nature can cost a Spanish or foreign tourist the equivalent of one hundred euros or dollars per night in four or five star hotels, meals, transfers and entrances to tourist attractions. That is, the recommended route of 5 to 7 nights can cost about 500-700 euros plus flights from Spain and the flight from Mexico City or Monterrey.
Engines of the economy of Durango
In economic terms, the Secretary of Tourism of Durango mentioned the arrival of more than 30 foreign companies that are on their way to boost the creation of 30,000 jobs, many of them in advanced technological and industrial sectors. This growth reflects the commitment of the local government to attract investments with greater added value.
“The state has more than 80 universities, which reinforces its capacity to train qualified professionals for these new industries,” said Haro Ruiz.
In terms of agriculture, Durango is one of the largest producers of beans in the country, is the third largest producer of mezcal in Mexico and also produces sotol.
Impact of climate change in Durango
However, Durango has faced challenges due to climate change, especially drought, which has affected its livestock and agricultural activity, with the loss of livestock and a decrease in harvests. Although the last year was positive in terms of rainfall, the government is developing water infrastructure projects such as the Tunal II dam, in collaboration with the federal government, and the drilling of new wells to mitigate the effects of future droughts.
Perception of security
Finally, she highlighted that Durango is one of the three states with the best perception of security in Mexico, which favors both tourism and audiovisual production in the region. According to Elisa, the stability and tranquility of the state are key factors to attract visitors and consolidate Durango as a competitive and attractive destination.
Source: espaciomx
