Top Challenges for Mexicana, AIFA, and Maya Train Projects

The federal government has been working to establish a robust presence in the tourism sector. This includes the development of the Maya Train, the Mexicana de Aviación airline, the Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA), and a network of hotels managed by the Olmeca-Maya-Mexcian Airport, Rail, Auxiliary Services and Connected Services Group (GAFSACOMM). These initiatives, initiated under the leadership of Andrés Manuel López Obrador and continued by Claudia Sheinbaum's administration, aim to attract both domestic and international tourists. However, they are currently facing several operational and promotional hurdles.

Last December, Óscar David Lozano Águila, the general director of The Maya Train, announced the launch of 10 tourist packages. These packages, including "Jewels of Mexican Culture" and "Route of Wonders," are designed to provide personalized experiences combining transport, accommodation, and entertainment. With prices ranging from 8,916 to 14,512 pesos, these packages offer discounted flights with Mexicana de Aviación, preferential rates on the Maya Train, and accommodation in 4-star hotels in locations such as Tulum, Chichén Itzá, and Calakmul. These packages are available on platforms like VisitMexico and international travel agencies to reach a broader audience.

Operational Challenges

Despite the infrastructure and competitive pricing, these initiatives have been marred by operational issues. Mexicana de Aviación, for instance, has faced criticism for empty flights and the recent cancellation of eight routes due to a reduction in its fleet. The airline's passenger numbers have not shown consistent growth, with its best month in July recording 47,683 passengers. Gerardo Herrera, an air sector analyst and professor at the Iberoamericana University, has expressed concerns about the airline's lack of advertising and the federal government's role in the sector.

The Maya Train has also encountered issues, with reports of unexpected cancellations and poorly connected stations. For example, the station in Campeche is 30 minutes away from the city center, with limited public transport options, making it more costly for tourists. Despite these challenges, the train exceeded its goal of transporting over 700,000 passengers before January 20 this year, reaching 790,000 passengers. However, only 3.5% of these passengers were from abroad.

Promotion Challenges

Promotion remains a significant challenge for these projects, particularly in attracting international tourists. Adolfo Héctor Tonatiuh Velasco, the director of GAFSACOMM, has highlighted the need for a robust promotion strategy. He noted that their hotels' occupancy has been moderate due to the limited time they had to promote them both domestically and internationally.