We are grateful for the recognition we have received over the past 15 years.

Donation of Computer Equipment to Strengthen Community Tourism in Oaxaca and Puerto Vallarta

Regenerative tourism is emerging as a key alternative for sustainable development, within the framework of the project: "Market Ready Tourism and Tri-national Cooperation: Connecting tourism businesses with specialized businesses to strengthen their potential impact in Mexico and Guatemala". enabling local communities to manage their resources in an autonomous and sustainable manner. In this context, La Mano del Mono, together with the German Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ), has led a strategic effort to reduce the digital divide in community enterprises through the donation of computer equipment, a fundamental tool for competitiveness in the global tourism market.

The Impact of the Digital Divide on Community Tourism

Community-based nature tourism enterprises, many of them located in rural areas and far from large urban centers, often face challenges in fully integrating into national and international tourism markets. Lack of access to appropriate technology limits their ability to promote their services, establish business relationships with specialized tour operators and access online booking platforms. It also hinders efficient internal management, from customer service to accounting and operational planning.

With the increasing digitization of markets, this technological disadvantage puts community enterprises in a less competitive position, causing their valuable work in conservation and local development to go unnoticed in the face of more commercial and accessible online options.

Equipment Donation: A Step Toward Global Competitiveness

The recent computer equipment donation event in Oaxaca represents a crucial effort to bridge this digital divide. The 12 companies that benefited, including Ecotourism Laatzi Duu Ecotourism Banetzi Community Ecotourism Cascada de Niebla Waterfall Ecotourism San Pablo Etla Community Ecotourism Capulálpam Mágicoamong others, now have the necessary tools to professionalize their management, increase their presence on digital platforms, improve their communication with potential clients and connect directly with specialized markets, such as ecotourism and regenerative tourism.

A second event was also held at Puerto Vallarta, Jaliscowith the same support mission, benefiting 6 more companies: JISOC Protecting and Preserving Diversity Biocultural Landscape, Casa Tía Anita, Boutique Hotel Sierra Magica Jewelry Art & Confectionery Tierra Madre tours and others. In both events, the focus is on strengthening the entrepreneurial capacities of 12 businesses in total, promoting a more sustainable and resilient tourism.

These tools will allow beneficiary businesses to access opportunities that previously might have been out of reach, such as the ability to be featured on international tourism portals, manage online bookings in real time, conduct more effective digital marketing campaigns and ultimately attract a greater number of visitors interested in authentic and sustainable experiences.

Connecting with Specialty Markets: A Transformational Impact

Connecting with niche markets is essential for community-based tourism businesses to stand out in an increasingly competitive sector. These markets value not only the tourism offerings, but also the businesses' commitment to environmental conservation and community development. The donated computer equipment will enable these businesses to highlight their unique attributes-such as their link to nature and their focus on sustainability-in a more efficient and professional manner, gaining crucial visibility with conscious consumers seeking experiences with positive impact.

In addition, access to technology will help companies take advantage of new trends in tourism, such as the regenerative tourismwhich focuses on experiences that not only minimize environmental impact, but actively contribute to the regeneration of local ecosystems. With the right digital tools, these companies can more effectively communicate their values and conservation efforts, which in turn strengthens their image and positioning in a niche market.

Beyond Competitiveness: Sustainability and Resilience

Strengthening these community enterprises through technology not only has economic, but also social and environmental implications. Improving their competitiveness and connectivity fosters local job creation, generates income that contributes to the well-being of communities and promotes the conservation of surrounding ecosystems. Ultimately, access to digital tools strengthens the resilience of these businesses in the face of global market challenges and the impacts of climate change, ensuring their long-term sustainability.

The donation of computer equipment in Oaxaca and Puerto Vallarta represents a significant step forward in the consolidation of a more sustainable and resilient nature tourism. These actions reaffirm the commitment of La Mano del Mono, GIZ and local communities to strengthen community-based tourism as a key tool for sustainable development. Technology not only bridges the digital divide, but also opens doors to a future in which community enterprises can thrive, generating benefits for both local communities and the biodiversity they protect.

Acknowledgments and Collaboration

We would like to express our deep appreciation to the key institutions involved in this process: 

Allied organizations in Mexico: Secretariat of Environment, Biodiversity, Energy and Sustainability, SEMAEDESO, National Commission of Natural Protected Areas, CONANP, Ministry of the Environment and Territorial Development, SEMADET, Junta Intermunicipal de Medio Ambiente de Sierra Occidental y Costa, JISOC, Biocultural Landscape, Ministry of Tourism, Oaxaca State Government Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusamme- narbeit / German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ).

Allied organizations in Guatemala: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), Association of Forestry Communities of the Petén (ACOFOP), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusamme- narbeit / German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). Their advocacy and participation have been crucial to create alliances that allow tourism to effectively contribute to environmental sustainability and community development.

The processes of this project are facilitated with the collaboration of the La Mano del Mono (LMDM) team, in particular Karla Rivera y Ethel ÁriasWe always thank them for their commitment and passion. We also count on the support of Azucena Luna consultant in Guatemala, Salvador Anta advisor at GIZ Mexico, and co-facilitators: Josselín Alegría, Arath Guantes and Paulina Sánchez.

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