THE TOURISM POLICY CYCLE IN MÉXICO, 2001-2018: A STAGE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to analyze the cycle of tourism policy in Mexico in the last three completed six-year terms of the federal government (2001-2018). Tourism public policy, like public policy in general, develops in stages, namely: definition of the problem, inclusion in the agenda, design, implementation and evaluation. For this purpose, a methodology was used that considered the analysis and synthesis of primary and secondary
sources, mainly material from official government agencies. The main findings show a common denominator in the three six-year periods analyzed in relation to the identified problem: low competitiveness of the tourism sector. The development of three elements for its inclusion in the public agenda is identified: normative and legal framework; actors involved; and financial resources. The programs designed and implemented are mainly oriented to the promotion of tourist destinations and the provision of infrastructure. In addition, there was a low number of evaluations of public tourism programs in the last six years (twenty-four).