Prospects of social tourism in rural areas: study in the northeastern mountains of Puebla, Mexico

Abstract

In Mexico, one of the main troubles is the existence of poverty within the population, especially in rural dwelling. There are indeed economic developments, particularly in the tourism sector. However, such activity is generally practiced by people with substantial income, marginalized for the population devoid of social capabilities. Overall, tourism is practiced by a segment of the population with higher incomes and marginalizes the poor population, lacking social benefits. The objective of this research was to understand the practices and leisure opportunities for low-income coffee producers. 212 questionnaires were applied to producers in five municipalities in the northeastern mountains of the State of Puebla. Respondents were within the "senior" tourism. It was found that a significant percentage of producers have a desire to see other places, particularly the religious spaces. However, given their meager income, the possibility of performing this activity is rather difficult. Farmers consider important to know other places and mentioned that require financing. The promotion of social tourism can be a strategy to promote local development, but a social policy to support recreational activities to people with fewer resources required.