ECOTOURISM PRESENT AND FUTURE IN Mahahual, MEXICO
About this Presentation
This assessment was conducted to identify sustainable tourism development strategiesfor
Mahahual, Mexico, which is slated for enormous cruise ship tourism growth in the near future.
Ecotourism
“responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well being of local people” (TIES 2002)
Ecotourism Should:
• Contribute to conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage
• Sustain the well-being and cultural integrity of local and indigenous populations
• Include an interpretation/education component
• Involve responsible action on the part of tourists and the tourism industry
• Be delivered primarily to small groups by small scale-scale businesses
• Require lowest possible consumption of non-renewable resources
• Stress local participation, economic benefits, ownership and business opportunities, particularly for rural and indigenous people
(TIES 2002)
Mahahual Mexico: Newly Developing Cruise Ship Destination
Mahahual Background
• Traditionally a fishing village with some subsistence agriculture
• Mass tourism is slated as the future industry (Cancun-model)
• Currently it is a regional weekend destination
• Primarily Spanish speaking
• Low population in the past, with few services and underdeveloped infrastructure
Environment
• Mangroves are an integral component of ecosystem
• Mangrove cutting and removal is occurring, causing further damage
• Environmental awareness and enforcement is limited, although there are federal
regulations designed to protect the environment
Tourism Development
• Federal government is an important stakeholder in the development process
• A new six-vessel cruise ship port and proposed international airport will alter access to the area
• Full-service accommodation are being sold to non-residents as holiday homes
• Most tourism operations are owned and operated by people outside the community
• The population is estimated to grow from less than 1000 to 100,000 in 15-20 years
Banco Chinchorro
• Received protected area status in 1998 Area of Mahahual is grouped into 3 sections:Cayo Norte (2 islands),Cayo Centro and Cayo Lobo
• Approximately 2 hours by fishing boat to access atoll.
• Profepa is a branch of the federal agency Semarnap and is in charge of enforcement.
• History of solid waste management problems. Development Plans:
• Fidel Caribe in charge of development of Costa Maya Pier:
• 2003 expansion will allow capacity of 6 cruise ships at once
• Currently no local ownership
Accommodation area within resort:
• Approximately 200 houses
• Average units sell for US $17,000 - US $24,000
• All units are completely wired with electricity, water, internet, etc.
• Currently employs approximately 16% of households
• High costs of training locals, regulating enforcement, and buying of necessary equipment legally required to move tourists makes processes slow and inaccessible to area
• Growth trends and predictions:
• 1999 - 783 people
• 2010 population is slated at 25,000 people to over 100,000 people in 15-20 years
Airport:
• Development plan includes international airport facility
Mahahual Strengths
• Attractive currency
• Close to Barrier reef
• Diverse marine and jungle environment
• Mangroves are home to many species
• Attractive beaches
• Low crime rates
• Good weather
• Relatively safe
• Distinctive and strong culture
• Most attractions are within walking distance
• Lots of options for hotel and restaurants
• One of the few areas of the Mayan Riviera Relatively undeveloped with mass tourism
• Ocean access for visitors
• Driving distance from Chetumal for local weekend visitors by car
Mahahual Weaknesses
• Leakage at all three levels
• Foreign investment is high
• Mass produced souvenirs
• Reduction of natural areas (ie Mangrove and other vegetation removal)
• Language barrier
• Cruise ship traffic
• Perception of rising crime levels
• Poor infrastructure (garbage etc)
• Lack of local involvement
• Lacks tourist services when cruise ships are not in
• Cruise ship tourists do not use local services
• Lack of knowledge regarding sustainable tourism planning
• Limited land area for growth
• Cruise ship tourism is sporadic
• Creation of “New Mahahual” using staged authenticity
• Lack of activity available for adventure tourists
• Not benefiting from available natural resources
• Cruise ship tourists do not use local services
Mahahual Opportunities
• Large captive audience
• Early in development
• Offer ‘ecotourism’ product along Costa Maya
• Land access to reduce leakage
• Employment – primary and secondary
• Attractive product
Mahahual Threats
• Dredging.
• Changing weather patterns / hurricanes.
• Difficulty managing environment.
• Seasonality of both Mexico and tourists who come during cold seasons in their home countries.
• Destruction of natural resources to develop hotels.
• Cannot grow past back street without destroying mangroves or other environment.
• Cruise ships damaging reefs and leaving pollution behind.
• Rapid transition to mass tourism
• Foreign investment locking out locals
• Access that sets no boundaries on development
• Government policy supporting mass tourism
• Government seems to focus on mass tourism and economic gain over environmental and socio-economic implications.
• Income from cruise ships is leaked out of the community.
• Following the Cancun template could be dangerous as it has major environmental problems.
• Rapid change and money influencing growth is not ideal.
• Large increase in money coming into poor community will likely likely cause social problems.
• Cost of living will likely increase.
• Foreigners invest more in development than local businesses can so competition is unequal.
• Population growth coming at an unsustainable speed.
• Separation in economic status may soon lead to animosity between local and tourists.
• Change in social structure and status system.
• Culture viewed by natives as a money making tool causing loss of traditions and lack of interest by the youth.
• “Demonstration effect” on local youth.
• Primary industry loss - fishing.
Mahahual Recommendations
The development of Mahahual provides a unique and outstanding opportunity to implement an environmentally and socially responsible resort and cruise ship development area.
This would provide a world class model for this type of tourism development.
The benefits of this approach would potentially accrue to both the local economy, outside investors, cruise ship operators, and tourists, because Mahahual could become the preferred ecotourism style resort development.
Due to the proposed scale and the likely rapid nature of development in the Mahahual region, it is imperative that a sustainable tourism development strategy is developed and put in place as soon as possible (NOW!). The objective of this approach is to facilitate the growth of the region in a responsible and sustainable manner and to avoid where possible the mistakes and irreversible damage often associated with rapid and poorly planned development elsewhere.
Implement regulations on foreign investment so local people have more opportunity for land ownership.
• Promote traditional architecture style instead of modern.
• Funding to improved locally owned tourism services.
• Target tourism outside cruise ships to promote multi-day stays
• Education for local residents.
• Re-introduce local art and traditions.
• Introduce sustainable tourism practices.
• Mandatory interpretation program for tourists coming off the ships.
• Introduction of more NGO’s to assist stakeholders with issues.
• Forest and mangrove protection. Government funding to be made available for important conservation efforts.
• Forest conservation tours and education.
• Promoting wildlife and mangrove conservation through educating tourists and locals.
• Government funding to be made available for conservation efforts for the long-term future of Mahahual
• Identify and learn from mistakes made in Cancun.
• Government to pre-plan development more efficiently.
• Recycling and garbage control currently in place but maintenance is required.
• Sea grass farming can be explored as an alternative incom
Educational visitors centre (culture and natural history) and interpretive trail
• Eco fee charged to upkeep interpretive trail along beachfront.
• Incentives for tourists/cruise ship operators to follow the trail.
• A set % of cruise ship tourists are required to take an Interpretive walk through Mahahual to see local businesses who are using sustainable tourism practices.
• Cultural awareness be made a part of education program in local schools.
• Provide trips to Mayan ruins and a variety of different in-land tours.
• Reduce foreign influence and leakage by increased resident consultation and decisions.
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