Geospatial intelligence for tourism management at sites in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, México

Abstract

This paper proposes the use of geospatial data as a tool to support tourism management in selected sites of the Tehuacán Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO as a mixed heritage. First, geospatial intelligence (GI) is discussed as a concept that breaks into the production and analysis of data on sites with tourism presence; subsequently, with the support of data mining and an application specially designed to collect information through mobile devices on the digital footprint of tourists and the analysis of their preferences and behaviors, the practices and preferences of visitors in the study area are detected. Finally, through fieldwork and the participation of local inhabitants, we propose the articulation of a route for visits with tourism potential in the Puebla portion of the reserve based on the experience of another already established route, through integrated community management and participation.

It is concluded that areas with greater openness to incorporate ways of using information technologies that support the management of tourist sites while respecting traditional forms of organization, have elements to make efficient decisions aimed at diversifying options in it.