Look for an increase
in tours and events focusing on the Maya
this 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 indigenous
Maya themselves.
We would 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 and embedding information throughout this site.
Suggestions
are welcome.
August 6-12, 2012 Planeta.com
and friends co-host Indigenous Peoples Week.
This online unconference
returns for a second year to hightlight connects among Indigenous
Peoples and tourism. We'll spotlight lessons learned in the
Mundo Maya.
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 if we amplify Maya voices.
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