Not many Yucatecans are aware of the fact that Izamal was the first city to receive the “Magical Town” designation in all Mexico.
And during December 2017, Izamal registered historic figures in number of visitors, hotel occupancy and private investment, as a result of the great strategy implemented by the Secretariat of Tourism Promotion of Yucatán SEFOTUR.
The “City of the Three Cultures” has experienced an unexpected boom during this winter hoilday season, that has been considered the best in years, due to the great demand for hotels, restaurants, carriages and arts & crafts. All of this as a result of the joint effort between the Federal Tourism Secretariat, the Secretariat of Tourism Promotion of the State Government and the local City Council of Izamal.
Photo: http://www.izamal.travel
The promotion of this destination, cataloged by the section “El Viajero” (The Traveler) of the major Spanish newspaper El País, as one of “The 25 Most Beautiful Villages in Mexico” has finally showed its results.
For the mayor of Izamal, Warnel May Escobar, the pre-Hispanic past, which makes it the only city in the world with six Mayan pyramids within city limits; its colonial charm for its mansions and the majestic Franciscan Convent of San Antonio de Padua; the quality of its artisans and its natural attractions are perfect to attract national and foreign tourists, but Izamal also shines because of the cleanliness of its streets, its architectural image and the security and order that prevail in the city.
Photo: http://www.izamal.travel
Combined with the support of tourism promotion provided by the federal and state secretariats, SEFOTUR launched a strategy to promote the land of Zamná, which includes the creation of a specialized website www.izamal.travel, where users can make a virtual tour of eight sites of interest, thanks to the site developed with 3D technology by architects and engineers in coordination with Google.
Photo: http://www.izamal.travel
“The other strategy is to participate in national fairs such as the Tianguis Turístico, the Yucatan Week in Mexico City and the National Fair of Magical Towns, where we have had very good results. To give an example, in the Yucatan Week in Mexico City we organized two conferences and our artisans sold merchandise for more than 200 thousand pesos” said May Escobar.
Photo: http://www.izamal.travel
Other tactics used by the municipal administration that have contributed to increase the number of visitors is to offer all the facilities and the exemption of local taxes for all enterpreneurs who want to invest in cafes, bars and restaurants that open at night, in order to give nightlife to Izamal with tourism purposes.
Photo: http://www.izamal.travel
When visiting Izamal you cannot miss its videomapping show “Senderos de Luz” (Paths of Light), which is a five-point route that starts at the Parque de los Cañones and ends up at the Franciscan Convent. This guided tour takes place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, starting at eight o’clock at night.
“Senderos de Luz” is an event coordinated by Patronato Cultur and the City Council of Izamal.
http://www.yucatan.com.mx/merida/mas-turistas-en-izamal
