Use of aromatic plants in the tourism industry in Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico for the for the identification of new productive niches in the region

The most dynamic tourism sector in Tulum, Quintana Roo, is related to the provision of health, relaxation, spirituality and the natural environment services. Therefore, there is an important use of aromatic plants. However, there is few knowledge about the acquisition and use of these by those who offer these services to tourists. Thus, in this research we analyzed information from therapists, instructors and manufacturers of natural products in order to identify the aromatic plants used in this sector in Tulum, Quinta Roo. The results showed that the most used species for the tourism services are: mint, basil and rue. In addition, the Chi square test allowed identifying an association between the type of service offered to tourists and 1) the supplier to whom the plant is purchased, as well as, 2) the seasons of use of the plant. It was found that yoga services are the ones who have the most diversity of plant suppliers, they are the ones who buy the most from the Mayan communities and together with the therapeutic services promote self-cultivation. Also, variability of the season consumption was found for the different types of services included in the study.