Ex-hacienda Tourism as a Strategy to Invigorate the Economy of Rural Areas in Puebla-Tlaxcala, Mexico

Abstract

The viability of ex-hacienda tourism as a factor to develop impoverished rural areas of the states of Puebla and Tlaxcala, Mexico, was evaluated. It consisted in restoring the value of former rural estates and nearby communities to be used as resort areas. The methodology considered the evaluation of attractions, services, tourist infrastructure, and local tourism stakeholders. Although the area studied has great economic, touristic and cultural heritage potentials, it is one of the poorest in the country (socially and economically), also affected by migration to urban areas. The goal of this research was to help correct the above mentioned unbalances, and to present the results of the application of a model for restructuring production and diversifying tourist alternatives. The model demonstrates the convenience of ex-hacienda tourism as a factor that strengthens the economy of rural areas.