Fortalezas del ecoturismo en Tamaulipas:: un índice municipal para documentar sus oportunidades turísticas

Abstract

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the contribution of tourism to countries’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP). From this crisis, ecotourism and rural tourism have emerged as key motors of a new spatial dynamic for the sector. The aim of this research is to design the first Tourism Potential Index for Tamaulipas, Mexico, to document and assess the strengths of ecotourism and rural tourism at a municipal level and chart a new tourism agenda for the state on that basis. The methodology uses a location quotient based on national and international databases and analysis of social media. The results show that the two municipalities best suited to this type of tourism are Madero and Tampico, followed by Victoria and Nuevo Morelos in the south and central regions, and the southern municipalities of Mante, Antiguo Morelos and Altamira. These findings strengthen the theory of integrated tourism planning since the index takes into account physical, economic, social and cultural factors. They also support the promotion of rural family tourism, based on fieldwork success in involving residents in tourism activities related to their culture and natural environment; and sustainable tourism development, based on proper management of natural areas such as Laguna del Carpintero.