POTENTIAL FOR RURAL TOURISM IN THE MICHAPAN HIGH BASIN, VERACRUZ, MÉXI

Abstract

The potential for rural tourism was determined in ejidos of the Michapan high basin, in Veracruz, México, as well as the perception of agricultural and livestock producers regarding the conservation of natural resources. The analysis was based on the opinion of producers in regard to the current and future amount of vegetation in the region and plot during the past ten years, the amount and use of timber resources and ecological and economic importance of natural resources (vegetation, soil and water). The response values were determined under a perception scale of one to five. The results indicated that the ejidos in the Michapan high basin present natural and cultural attractions that can be promoted as rural tourism, both ecological and adventure; however, the communities present high marginalization indexes that could limit the tourism potential if they are not addressed.