A final decision on Ajijic’s application for Pueblo Mágico status will remain up in the air until after next month’s election, reports Chapala tourism director Habath Angel Orozco.
An announcement on the nine new towns that will be selected for the prestigious title was expected in April, but the evaluation and designation process by the Federal Tourism Ministry was temporarily put on hold during the campaign season, Angel explains. The list of winners should be revealed prior to the fifth annual Pueblos Mágicos Fair, to be held October 11 through 14 in Morelia, Michoacán.
Mexico already has 111 destinations on the Pueblo Mágico roster. Ajijic is among the 124 candidates registered for this year. Other Jalisco locales in the running are Jamay, San Miguel El Alto, Yahualica de González Gallo and Tlaquepaque.
Chapala had been preparing its Magic Town bid for some time. On November 17, 2017 Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) opened the convocation for the 2018 “Magic Town” program. By November 20, Chapala Tourism Director Habath Angel Orozco had already uploaded preliminary documentation on the federal agency’s registration platform. Later in the week, Chapala Mayor Javier Degollado gained the approval of the Jalisco legislature required to secure state funding for the 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 Pueblo Magico include access to federal funds for tourism infrastructure improvements, including the preservation of historical sites, the diversification of tourist attractions, the creation and modernization of tourist-related businesses, greater publicity, and an increase in jobs and local revenue.
Among the attributes working in the town’s favor are the natural setting on the shores of Mexico’s largest lake, an idyllic climate that appeals to visitors, colorful festivities and a vibrant arts community. It also seems to meet Sectur’s criteria for public security, health care and hospitality services, as well as transportation connectivity for the convenience of travelers.