The Society of Travel Writers of the United States, represented by the Canadian journalist Beatrice Broda, presented the Ministry of Tourism of Jalisco with the Phoenix Award 2020
awarded to the Interpretive Center and Archaeological Zone of Guachimontones for preservation of the environment in traveler experiences, its clean energy and waste management system, and its valuable sustainability efforts.
This archaeological and research site dedicated to the Teuchitlán tradition was awarded for managing in its facilities a system of solar energy, a waste treatment that contributes to sustainability, and cultural education programs among others.
Thus, this historic site in the municipality of Teuchitlán, Jalisco, shares this 2020 edition award with three other international destinations: Gulf State Park in Alabama (USA,) Falls Park in Reedy River, Greenville, South Carolina (USA,) and the Yangzhou Gardens and Historic District, in Jiangsu Province (China.)
“As a former president of the Society of Travel Writers of the United States, I am very proud to have nominated the Guachimontones Archaeological Zone in Jalisco and the fact that it has won, but it is very easy to understand why it won. It respects all the history, culture, and environment of your region. They have created a beautiful place where more people from all over the world and even the people of Mexico can learn more about this beautiful legacy. Congratulations," said Canadian television producer and journalist Beatrice Broda.
The Society of American Travel Writers is an organization founded in 1955, which has more than 1,000 members inside and outside the United States and Canada. Its members are generators of printed, electronic, and digital content specialized in travel and tourism, as well as experts and public relations agencies of prestigious brands in the hospitality field.
Broda, who is a producer and host specialized in the international travel industry, will take advantage of her visit to Jalisco to record episodes of her Amazon Prime series titled “Outta Town Adventures,” in tourist destinations such as Tlaquepaque, Guadalajara, Tonalá, and Tequila. These recordings will air soon in the United States.
Secretary of Tourism Germán Kotsiras Ralis Cumplido gave thanks for the Guachimontones award, explaining that it was a destination that before the Covid-19 pandemic received 170,000 visitors a year, and now this archaeological center has recently reopened its doors with protocols and at a capacity of 50 percent.
“This recognition fills us with pride, firstly because it comes from an internationally recognized association, and secondly because at the end of the day they have made a very deep analysis of different places in the world, and today they have selected Guachimontones as this emblematic element of identity, of Jalisco and Mexican culture and tradition,” he said.
Finally, the Director of Museums, Exhibitions and Galleries of the Jalisco Secretariat of Culture, Miriam Villaseñor Muñoz, said “We are very grateful and honored, as part of the Museums, Exhibitions and Galleries of Jalisco, to receive the Phoenix Award. Guachimontones in particular is a space that offers you everything in the open air, so there is no safer space these days than going to an archaeological zone ”.
For more information about the award, go to the Phoenix Awards link below.