As part of the activities for World Tourism Day, the Secretary of Tourism Development of Yucatán, Michelle Fridman, presented the Tourist Merit Award of Yucatán to Mr. José Humberto Gómez Rodríguez, better known as “Don Beto”.
The award was received by his children, José Humberto Gómez Ortíz and Floricely Gómez Ortíz, as Don Beto could not attend due to health issues.
Since 1956, he served as a tourist guide and historian of the region, in addition to being a founding member, president, secretary, and treasurer of the Mayab Guides Cooperative.
He was also one of the founders of the Yucatán Section of the National Guides Union, introducing federal plates for tour guide vehicles in the state.
He participated in the discovery of Mayan vaults with archaeological pieces from Balankanché, being the first in centuries to observe more than 500 objects dedicated mostly to the god Chaac.
“This recognition is a turning point for a beginning, not only for him but for each and every one of the tourist guides who are the spokespersons of this state in history and gastronomy and are a fundamental pillar,” said his son, José Humberto Gómez.
He thanked the award on behalf of his father and mentioned that Don Beto looked forward to the day when his work would be recognized in Yucatán.
TYT Newsroom