Discover how Costalegre sustainable tourism initiative unites authorities, specialists, and investors to make the region a model for eco friendly travel by 2030 with Costalegre sustainable tourism.
With local officials, sector specialists, and tourism stakeholders at the table, Jalisco wrapped up its fourth Tourism Consultation Forum in Tenacatitlán this week. The gathering marks the final step in drafting the 2025–2030 State Tourism Plan and aims to position Costalegre as a benchmark for sustainable tourism across Latin America.
The forum took place at the José María Martínez Rodríguez Convention Center inside the Los Ángeles Locos Hotel. Representatives arrived from four municipalities—Cabo Corrientes, Tomatlán, La Huerta, and Cihuatlán—joined by hotel and restaurant owners, tour guides, university researchers, and other private-sector actors. Together they worked under the banner “Costalegre Nature and the development of organic destinations true luxury,” tackling land use planning, site sustainability, community identity, and low-impact tourism offerings.
State Tourism Secretary Michelle Fridman Hirsch led moderated discussions that highlighted both the region’s assets and the challenges ahead. Miguel Andrés Hernández, director of the Public Trust for Tourism in the Costalegre Zone, opened the conversation by underscoring Costalegre’s mix of coastal jungles, cultural heritage, and undeveloped shoreline. He called for local communities to take an active role crafting a value proposition that rewards conservation.
Tourism consultant Tere Solís of Deloitte pressed on the need to turn Costalegre into a working example of regenerative travel. She noted its biodiversity, authentic coastal towns, and limited urban sprawl give the region an edge. With stronger ties between government bodies, private businesses, and civil groups, she argued, Costalegre could pioneer low-impact lodging, farm-to-table food experiences, and eco-adventure services.
Joan Passolas Farrerons from the Association for Professional Training in Tourism (AMFORT) proposed a “sustainability laboratory” model. Under this vision, the region would carve out protected zones, roll out conservation training for guides and operators, and set up local oversight councils to enforce best practices. He said this approach would safeguard fragile habitats while generating stable jobs.
Lorena Gudiño of the Mexican-German Climate Change Alliance (GIZ) spoke on international cooperation. She shared case studies showing how small-scale, climate-resilient strategies can boost local economies. Gudiño urged stakeholders to weave cultural preservation and disaster-resilient infrastructure into every tourism project, keeping both people and nature at the core of planning.
This Tenacatitlán forum followed earlier sessions in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Ahualulco de Mercado. It rounds out a citizen-driven and technical review process aimed at refining Jalisco’s tourism policy through 2030. The final plan will focus on sustainable growth, regional road and port links, and investment in green infrastructure.
Key facts about Costalegre
- It spans more than 384 km of Pacific coastline between Bahía de Navidad and Boca de Tomatlán.
- In 2024 it welcomed over 628 000 visitors.
- It delivered upwards of 3.937 billion pesos in economic impact last year.
- The zone blends pristine beaches, coastal villages, eco-reserves, and sustainable lodgings.
As Jalisco finalizes its tourism blueprint, stakeholders say Costalegre stands ready to lead the way. By embedding community voices, conservation goals, and regenerative principles into every project, they believe the region can show Latin America what real sustainable tourism looks like.
