The state of Yucatán announced this week that two of its municipalities, Sisal and Maní, have been awarded the designation “Pueblo Mágico,” or Magical Town, by Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR). Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal and his cabinet have been working towards to achievement, as the last Yucatán town to win inclusion in the program was Valladolid in 2012. The state’s only other city in the program is Izamal, which was designated a Magical Town in 2002.
“Yucatán adds two new municipalities under the name of ‘Pueblos Mágicos,’ which will undoubtedly mean a greater economic benefit for its 42,000 inhabitants,” said Michelle Fridman, minister of tourism for the state of Yucatán. “The appointment will promote tourism with a social focus, by fostering fair and balanced progress in the communities, which will diversify the opportunities for marketing its tourism offer, and sustainable development.”
Maní, located 62 miles southeast of Mérida, is home to a vibrant, living Maya culture. The town is noted for its architecture, exemplified by the church and convent of San Miguel Arcángel, built in the 16th century using the stones of pre-Hispanic Mayan buildings. In addition, Maní is renowned for its community of artisans dedicated to making and embroidering blouses, suits and traditional huipiles garments, as well as its gastronomy. Visitors must try poc chuc, a pork dish prepared in citrus marinade and cooked over a grill.
Sisal, meanwhile, is a coastal town located within the municipality of Hunucmá, 30 minutes northwest of Mérida. It offers several ecotourism options, as it is located between two natural reserves. Sisal was Yucatán’s main maritime port during the “Green Gold” boom era of henequen production.
The promotion of Maní, Sisal and other locations are part of the Sustainable Development Plan of the state of Yucatán’s Ministry of Tourism, which encourages the decentralization of tourism, so that the benefits derived from the activity permeate across the state.
A Magical Town, according to SECTUR, is a town that, through time and in the face of modernity, has preserved its value and cultural and historical heritage and manifests it in various expressions through its tangible and intangible heritage. There are currently Magical Towns in 121 destinations in 31 states of Mexico. Some of the benefits include the generation of new jobs; the national positioning of the destination through the Pueblos Mágicos brand; commercialization of local artisan products; integration of tourism development plans and strengthening of tourism infrastructure; generation of investment in the sector; revaluation of regional culture and customs; and the increase in the arrival of tourists and visitors that will generate greater economic income.
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