Sustainable Tourism on Mexico's Riviera Maya

When I visited Mexico's Riviera Maya area, I knew I would be visiting hotels and attractions committed to sustainable tourism. What I didn't know was just how committed some hotel and attraction owners are to the principles of sustainable travel. I saw state-of-the-art air conditioning and water heating systems at a resort that has a desalination plant. I saw a hotel property deliberately built away from the beach so that the mangrove forest, which shelters countless animal species and protects the area from the worst effects of hurricanes, could be preserved. I saw beachfront hotels that rely exclusively on solar, wind and emergency generator power.

Sustainable tourism isn't just about conservation, though. It's also about sustaining and building the prosperity of local communities. On my trip, I met tour guides and staff members who are proud to work for employers who do more than just issue paychecks. I talked with tour guides from the Mayan community who are dedicated to helping their fellow Mayans grow their tourism-related businesses and to showing visitors the Riviera Maya through the eyes of the Mayans themselves.

If this type of travel appeals to you, it's time to learn more about sustainable tourism. Mexico's Riviera Maya is a great place to begin.

Photo © Nancy Parode