There are an estimated
7 million indigenous
Maya living
in southern Mexico and northern Central America at the start
of the 21st century.
Look for an increase in tours and events focusing on the Maya
in the coming year. Why? The Maya calendar is said to conclude
its current cycle on December 21, 2012. The period leading up
to the winter solstice
in 2012, as
well as this particular day, we reckon will be more of the same,
bringing what Rob
Brezsny says will be the “usual rate of breakdowns
and breakthroughs that has characterized the last two decades.”
The breakthrough we would like to see is one in which we learn
more from the Maya themselves. We’d like to see tourism
that benefits the indigenous communities and in which locals
have a greater voice. Please no more replica villages created
and funded by outsiders. Show us the contemporary Maya and their
connections to the past. It would be great to see authentic
collaboration among Maya leaders, communities and the national
and international tourism players. Instead of performing in
shows written about them, if the Maya wanted, they could engage
visitors face-to-face. Visitors just need to know where they
are invited.
Planeta.com will be updating regional guides. Suggestions
are welcome.
Editors
of the Planeta Wiki are invited to update the Exploring
the Maya World. Let us know what events are taking place
within the region and outside.
We would like to extend a cordial invitation to Maya tour operators
and tour operators working with Maya communities to share what
you are doing online Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube.
2012 could be a pivotal year indeed.
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