Tlaxcala is betting on culture, gastronomy and nature to attract international tourism

During FITUR, Travel2latam spoke with Jorge Lerma Nava, Undersecretary of Tourism for the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico, who explained that, despite being one of the smallest states in the country, its strategic location — just an hour and a half from Mexico City — makes it an ideal gateway for international tourism.

What types of products and experiences are they promoting as the cornerstones of the state's tourism development?

Tlaxcala boasts a rich history. We have seven archaeological sites, in addition to the La Malinche volcano, which allows us to develop nature tourism. We are also one of the five Mexican states with the greatest culinary offerings, both gourmet and traditional. We work with ingredients such as maguey, escamoles (ant larvae), chapulines (grasshoppers), and an ancestral beverage called pulque, which is extracted from a plant similar to agave but larger, and is distinct from tequila.

We are developing tourism products based on our community strengths. At this event, we will receive four awards that reflect this work. One is for rural tourism, with the Peach Route, where visitors tour the orchards, see how the fruit is grown, how the jam is made, taste it, and pair it with local foods. It's a complete rural experience.

Another award relates to our cattle ranches, which are among the most important in Mexico. There, you can see how fighting bulls are raised, fed, and handled, and even participate in some activities related to this tradition.

The third award is for the firefly spectacle, a unique phenomenon that occurs between June, July, and August. During a very specific time of night, thousands of fireflies illuminate the forest, creating a natural spectacle that can only be experienced in Tlaxcala.

The fourth award is linked to our magical towns. We have three. One is Tlaxco, where visitors can experience everything from cheese production to tasting more than 40 varieties. Another is Huamantla, famous for its clay and stone carpets, which every August, during a religious festival, stretch up to seven kilometers in length, earning it a Guinness World Record. There, visitors can even make their own carpet as part of the experience.

What other unique attractions does Tlaxcala have for international visitors?

We have 21 certified traditional cooks recognized by UNESCO. We also offer products like amaranth, a very important seed for us, used in sweets, drinks, and food. We offer hiking, flora and fauna observation, rural tourism, and visits to cattle ranches. In total, we have more than 120 tourist experiences.

Furthermore, Tlaxcala boasts two World Heritage Sites. One is the San Francisco Convent Complex, a 16th-century church recognized by UNESCO. The other is Talavera pottery, whose artisanal technique was jointly declared a World Heritage Site by Mexico and Spain, encompassing Puebla and Tlaxcala.

We also have very colorful and eye-catching carnivals, with enormous headdresses and costumes that make this celebration one of the most attractive in the country.

What is the state's connectivity like, and what role does security play in tourism development?

Our connectivity is a great advantage. We are surrounded by three airports: Mexico City's airport, AIFA in the State of Mexico, and Puebla's airport. This allows any tourist arriving in the country to easily travel to Tlaxcala.

Furthermore, Tlaxcala is one of the three safest states in Mexico, along with Yucatán and Coahuila. This not only inspires confidence in tourists but also attracts tourism and industrial investment. Safety is a key factor in developing routes, products, and new experiences.

We have routes like the Bull Route or routes we share with Puebla, taking advantage of the proximity between the two states. Tlaxcala is so magical you won't believe it exists, and all you have to do is take a flight to Mexico City to reach the nearest state, which is Tlaxcala.