TERRITORIES AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: A READING FROM THE POLITICAL CULTURE IN CHIAPAS (MEXICO)

In the context of research on the role of sustainable tourism as public policy and a strategy for conservation and rural development in indigenous and peasant regions of Chiapas, we look at the political culture as a fundamental reference point for understanding the symbolic and political dimensions of the territories. This article analyzes the articulation between government and local spheres in the implementation of tourism as an alternative to primary sector activities. Using diverse sources (interviews with local actors, government representatives and others; policy instruments and official discourses) we describe the political mechanisms and behaviors that guide territorial and decision-making processes. What stands out is that with the introduction of sustainable tourism 'tolerated' forms of participation arc permitted, which contradict the theory behind sustainable tourism but reflect a centralized government and are associated with apparent social inclusion that actually configures increasingly dominated territories.