ACCESSIBLE MAGICAL TOWNS: A BRIDGE TOWARDS TOURIST INCLUSION IN MEXICO

Abstract

Tourism is a bridge that connects cultures, languages and diverse knowledge, allowing tourists to enrich their vision of the world. Furthermore, this activity represents a fundamental pillar of the economy in many countries; in Mexico, for example, tourism is positioned as one of the most important industries, generating jobs and boosting local development. In order to promote sustainable tourism growth, it is necessary to develop tourism products and services that are accessible to all. In this sense, the inclusion of people with disabilities and the elderly becomes an important aspect, considering that this population segment, in most cases, travels accompanied; to this need is added the opportunity presented by the global aging population; the configuration of a demographic profile characterized by a greater proportion of people in advanced ages opens a range of possibilities for the tourism sector. The tourist destinations known as Pueblos Mágicos (Magic Towns) have become a key driver of sustainable tourism growth in Mexico. Since their designation, these towns have experienced a notable increase in the number of visitors. However, the following question arises: Do the Magical Towns have tourist attractions accessible to all? Based on the above context, the objective of this paper is to evaluate the characteristics and conditions of accessibility in tourist attractions (plazas and parks) of the Magical Towns of the Central Zone of the country (Huichapan and Tecozautla in the state of Hidalgo; Bernal, Cadereyta de Montes and Tequisquiapan in the state of Querétaro). The accessibility analysis carried out revealed some significant disparities in the Magical Towns route. Tequisquiapan was identified as the place with the best accessibility, while Cadereyta and Tecozautla need further improvement. Of the criteria evaluated, public restrooms were identified as the area requiring the most attention. This analysis can be a valuable tool to improve accessibility and seek strategies to create a more inclusive tourist experience in the different tourist attractions that can be visited in the Magical Towns.

Keywords: people with disabilities, accessibility, seniors, accessible tourism, accessible destinations, accessible tourism