PROGRAMA PUEBLOS MÁGICOS DO MÉXICO: TRAJETÓRIA, RESULTADOS POSITIVOS E FRAGILIDADES

Abstract

The Magical Towns of Mexico Program, created in 2001, has become a national public policy that seeks to promote tourist activity in small and medium-sized cities, aiming at sector planning, territorial ordering and, mainly, the socioeconomic development of the local population through tourism. This article aims to analyze the trajectory of the Magical Towns Program since its creation, identifying the positive points that contributed to the tourist development of these locations, as well as the weaknesses that may have impacted its effectiveness. The methodological path started from documentary research in official tourism bodies and bibliographical research. The results of the analysis highlighted the importance of the program for the diversification of the Mexican tourist offer, preservation of heritage, local socioeconomic development, among other benefits. However, the following weaknesses were found: increased violence and insecurity, gentrification, low-paying jobs, privatization disguised as patrimonialization, among others. The study is expected to contribute to a comprehensive view of the program's impacts.