Ajijic has gained entry to the second round in the 2018 Pueblo Mágico (Magic Towns) qualification process, according to Chapala Tourism Director Habath Alejandro Ángel Orozco.
The federal Tourism Ministry (Sectur) has allotted only six spots this year for awarding the coveted title to new destinations nationwide. Ajijic and Tlaquepaque are the two Jalisco locales that have met the criteria to pass to step two in the Magic Town bid.
Angel told this newspaper that the local government has already put together seven of the ten elements it must submit by March 15 to get through to the final phase. Requirements include proof of the formation of a Pueblo Mágico committee, official approval of the bid by the city council, endorsement by the state congress, public and private investment projections, a tourism development plan and relevant municipal regulatory codes.
In addition, Sectur personnel will be sent here prior to the deadline to carry out a field study to verify the entry bid.
The Pueblo Mágico designation was launched in 2001 to promote towns that offer visitors a “magical” experience – by way of their natural beauty, cultural riches or historical relevance.
The benefits of becoming a Magic Town include access to federal funds for tourism infrastructure improvements.