The Perception of the Biocentric Tourist Landscape in “Pueblos Mágicos” According to Inhabitants

Abstract

The “Pueblos Mágicos” program designation, given by the Mexican government to towns that have kept their cultural heritage, as a local public policy makes changes to residents, the economy, and the space. Consequently, it creates a new landscape. To explain the repercussions on the population, their perception is analyzed, a process that allows judgments to be made about the environment. Therefore, the objective is to explain the changes in the perception of the biocentric tourist landscape according to the inhabitants of the “Pueblo Mágico” of Jiquilpan, Michoacán. For the methodology, a quantitative approach was chosen, through a survey on the topics of residents, the economy, and space in the area where tourist goods and services are concentrated. The analysis used was multivariate with a multiple correspondence analysis method. The results are shown through dimension graphs showing the iterations and their contributions, and topics and questions are displayed by their contribution value through centrality schemes. Among the findings, there is a negative perception of the biocentric landscape among the residents of the historic center in Jiquilpan. However, they are in favor of coexisting with tourists and the improvement of public services as well as with good restaurants and hotels. Conversely, they are against the actions that were carried out by public administrations.