Governor Mara Lezama’s Commitment to Community Tourism Boosts Mayan Ka’an Destination, Creating Shared Prosperity for Local Families
In a groundbreaking move, Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa has taken a significant step forward in empowering Mayan communities as the true protagonists of tourism in Quintana Roo. The “Maya Ka’an” project, encompassing the municipalities of José María Morelos and Felipe Carrillo Puerto, is gaining momentum with innovative initiatives that prioritize community-led development.
As part of the “Boosting Efforts through Cooperativism” program, the Institute of Social and Solidarity Economy and the State Secretariat of Tourism have provided 132 training sessions to strengthen the social economy and improve the quality of life for families living in Mayan communities. The initiative has benefited 220 individuals from 11 community groups.
Governor Lezama has donated over 9.9 million pesos’ worth of equipment and tools, including:
* Bicycles with safety kits
* Kayaks with paddles and life jackets
* Two-way radios (Walkie Talkies)
* LED lights
* Binoculars
* Camping tents
* Sleeping bags
* Maps
* Reading lights
* First aid kit
* Rappelling ropes
* Ok Triak Lock carabiners
* Rappelling helmets
* Professional camera for photos and videos
* Headlamps
* Caving helmets
* Battery packs and chargers
* Camping lounge chairs
* Telescopes
* Steel folding and reclining chairs
* USB and dynamo rechargeable camping lamps
* Folding tables
* Camping shelter tarps
* Essential suitcases
* Beekeeping jackets with hats and veils
* Starlink kit (with installation and 6-month satellite internet subscription)
* Solar energy kit (panels, inverter, wiring, and installation); charged fire extinguishers; regulators
* Gasoline generator
* Trash cans
* Wheelbarrows
* Deep-cycle batteries
* Computer
* Tablet
* Printer
* Projector
* Dinnerware sets
* Steamers
* Pots with lids
* Frying pans
* Cutlery sets
* Coffee cups
* Griddles
* Fans
* Plates and glasses sets
* Tables
* Chairs
* Coffee makers
* Chest refrigerator
* Dual chest freezer
* Butcher knife set
* Kitchen sets
* Grease trap
* Signage (office, archaeological site, garden, community)
* Televisions
* Mattresses
* Sheet sets
* Pillows
* Bedspreads
* Towels
* Tablecloths
* Uniform sets for traditional cooks
According to Governor Lezama, this initiative represents a new era of shared prosperity, where tourism success reaches rural communities and benefits the people of Quintana Roo.
“Today, Maya Ka’an is the fastest-growing tourist destination. It’s characterized by its impressive scenic beauty and authentic settings found in the natural areas that make up the destination,” she explained. “We celebrate the awakening of dreams that have come true.”
For his part, Tourism Secretary Bernardo Cueto Riestra emphasized that this new community tourism model generates shared prosperity through direct projects from Mayan communities.
Source: Milenio
