Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The much-anticipated Maya Train project, initially envisioned to boost international tourism in Mexico, is currently attracting predominantly Mexican travelers, according to recent figures revealed by the project’s general director, Oscar David Lozano Águila.
During a press conference held on July 29, Lozano Águila disclosed that the majority of the Maya Train’s users are Mexican nationals. Out of the 73,143 tickets sold to date (55,174 at the ticket window and 17,969 online), only 3,900 were purchased by international tourists. In contrast, 37,212 tickets were sold to national tourists, and 18,909 to local tourists.
The figures presented by Lozano Águila highlight a discrepancy between the initial goals of the Federal Government and the actual demographics of the train’s users. Despite efforts to position the Maya Train as a major attraction for global tourists, it appears that the project has resonated more with domestic travelers.
At the same press conference, Yucatán Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal expressed gratitude to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador for the construction of the Maya Train. Vila Dosal also discussed the ongoing efforts to enhance security measures for passengers, emphasizing the importance of a robust police response to crime reports to ensure the safety of all travelers.
Governor Vila Dosal noted the significant role of Yucatán’s international airport, now the sixth most important in Mexico for national passenger arrivals. He also mentioned new tourist destinations being developed to attract a larger number of visitors.
Despite the efforts to bolster tourism infrastructure and the strategic promotion of new tourist destinations, the relatively low interest from international tourists presents a challenge for the Maya Train project. This emblematic initiative, aimed at fostering tourism and development in southeastern Mexico, still faces hurdles in becoming a top choice for international visitors.
As the Maya Train continues to operate, its promoters will need to address these challenges to better attract a global audience. The focus will likely shift towards marketing strategies, enhancing the travel experience, and possibly revisiting ticket pricing and packages to appeal to a wider international market.
The Maya Train, with its potential to transform tourism in southeastern Mexico, stands as a testament to the country’s ambitious infrastructure projects. However, realizing its full potential as an international tourist magnet will require a concerted effort from both government officials and private stakeholders to bridge the gap between expectation and reality.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The much-anticipated Maya Train project, initially envisioned to boost international tourism in Mexico, is currently attracting predominantly Mexican travelers, according to recent figures revealed by the project's general director, Oscar David Lozano Águila.
