Potencial de entomoturismo para avistamiento de mariposas en Atoyac, Veracruz, México

Background. Entomotourism represents a form of tourism diversification that involves recreational activities focused on insect watching, including activities in both natural environments and controlled conditions. In regions with high biological biodiversity, butterflies represent a resource that can contribute to the generation of complementary income for communities. Evaluating the potential of entomotourism is essential to determine the viability of its implementation as an economic development alternative. Objective. The objective was to evaluate the potential of entomotourism for butterfly watching as a tourism product in Atoyac, Veracruz. Methodology. The potential of entomotourism in Atoyac, Veracruz, was evaluated using the Multicriteria Evaluation technique, considering both the natural resources and the infrastructure of the municipality. The process included the participation of government representatives, service providers, and community stakeholders. Results. It was found that the best represented resources were mountain formations, ravines, gullies, caves, forests, as well as natural observation areas. In addition to a high level of availability of basic services, with an overall compliance rate of 86% of the possible total, there is a 58% deficit in infrastructure and services, which indicates priority areas for improvement and development. The tourism inventory of the area and tourism service providers was updated, and a suitable route for butterfly watching was delineated, highlighting the Morpho helenor species. Finally, training workshops were held for the local population to promote practices related to butterfly watching, breeding, and artisanal use. Implications. The evaluation of infrastructure and service resources reveals limited coverage, characterized by the absence or incipient development of key elements, which represents a significant barrier to the strengthening and consolidation of tourism in the region. Conclusion. Based on the above, it is concluded that Atoyac presents favorable conditions for the development of entomotourism, and it is proposed that it can be integrated as a component within the tourism offering.