Rural Tourism and Nature Tourism in the Region of the Great Mountains of Veracruz

The aim was to find out about the enterprises, resources and attractions of rural tourism and nature tourism in the Great Mountains of Veracruz Region [GMVR]. A survey was applied to municipal public employee and experts in the region. Google Maps, Google My Maps, Google Earth and the Tourist Atlas of Mexico were also used to know and locate the sites. 20% of sites were personally verified. 114 ventures were identified, of which 34 are ecotourism, 8 adventure tourism, 6 rural tourism; and 66 companies that provide tourist food, lodging and recreation services. 93 tourist attractions were identified, of which 74 are natural and 19 cultural. The enterprises are at different stages of development and nature tourism is considered to have great potential in the GMVR, although there is limited participation from tourist authorities. It is concluded that it is necessary to design a regional tourism development plan that includes tourism products and strategic inter-municipal alliances to favor economic dynamics and the integration of the actors in the value chain that strengthen the tourism culture. (Carlos Garcia).