Reconfiguration of the federal tourism agenda in Mexico, 2001-2024: a longitudinal documentary analysis informed by Grounded Theory procedures
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58763/rc2026611Keywords:
public administration, regional development, governance, development policy, government policyAbstract
Introduction: Studies on tourism policy often analyze isolated government programs or periods, paying less attention to the longitudinal changes in state agendas. This research analyzes the reconfiguration of the Mexican government's tourism agenda between 2001 and 2024. Methodology: A longitudinal document analysis was conducted, informed by Grounded Theory procedures, particularly initial coding, constant comparison, memorandum writing, and progressive integration of categories. Eight federal planning documents were analyzed: four National Development Plans and four Sectoral Tourism Programs. Results and discussion: Using a coding guide for the analysis of government tourism agendas developed by the authors, 1,488 coding occurrences were identified. These were subsequently integrated into nine analytical categories. Longitudinal comparison allowed for the identification of three agenda configurations: one oriented toward competitiveness; another toward strengthening governance and institutional capacities; and a third focused on well-being, social inclusion, and territorial development. Conclusions: Overall, the analysis shows that the formal tourism planning agenda in Mexico has not changed simply due to a shift in priorities between administrations, but rather through the persistence of categories, the redefinition of their functions, and the modification of their hierarchy.
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