Tourism and social polarization in Los Cabos, Mexico. The Golden Zone project

Abstract

Tourism has become very important in Mexico and since the 1970s a State policy has been consolidated, mainly, through the Integrally Planned Centers (CIPs) of the National Fund for Tourism Promotion (FONATUR). Despite its undeniable success in economic terms, however, this model has generated socioeconomic inequalities, and spatial and residential segregation. This is the case of the Los Cabos CIP, in the northwestern state of Baja California Sur, were socio-spatial segregation and privatization of beaches have become more acute by privileging the interest of capital, to the detriment of the well-being of the local population. The paper analyzes the private project that aims to divert 8 km of the main highway northwards of its present location, to build a new road that would take the population away from the coast, causing greater privatization of the landscape and beaches.