Despite being conceived as a major international tourism project, the Maya Train has primarily attracted Mexican tourists, according to figures revealed in a conference this morning. Oscar David Lozano Águila, the general director of the project, presented detailed statistics showing a significant domestic user base.
The data provided during the conference disclosed that of the 73,143 tickets sold (55,174 at the ticket window and 17,969 online), the majority were purchased by Mexican citizens. The breakdown is as follows:
- International tourists: 3,900 users
- National tourists: 37,212 users
- Local tourists: 18,909 users
Lozano Águila’s report highlights that despite the Federal Government’s efforts to position the Maya Train as an international tourist attraction, it has been the Mexican populace that has predominantly utilized this new transportation system. This trend underscores the need for a reassessment of strategies to enhance the train’s appeal to international travelers.
In the same press conference, Yucatan Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal expressed his gratitude to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador for the Maya Train’s construction. Vila Dosal provided updates on the region’s security plan, which aims to bolster the police response to crime reports, ensuring the safety of both local and international passengers.
Governor Vila Dosal also noted that the Yucatan international airport has become the sixth most important air base in Mexico in terms of national passenger arrivals. This development is part of a broader effort to integrate new tourist destinations and attract more visitors to the region.
Despite these advancements in security and infrastructure, the Maya Train faces challenges in meeting its original goal of becoming a major international tourist attraction. The current statistics underscore a critical issue for the project’s promoters: drawing interest from international tourists remains a significant hurdle.
The Maya Train, envisioned as a flagship project to drive tourism and economic development in southeastern Mexico, must navigate these challenges to achieve its full potential. As it stands, the project’s success is heavily reliant on the interest and patronage of Mexican citizens.
Looking ahead, the promoters of the Maya Train must develop and implement targeted marketing and engagement strategies to attract a broader international audience. This might involve partnerships with international travel agencies, enhanced promotional campaigns in key foreign markets, and the development of unique experiences that can compete with other global tourist attractions.
The Federal Government and local authorities are expected to continue their efforts in improving the overall experience for both national and international travelers. This includes ongoing enhancements to the security infrastructure, the addition of more tourist-friendly amenities, and the creation of comprehensive travel packages that highlight the rich cultural and historical significance of the regions connected by the Maya Train.