Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda has announced a new round of grants for community tourism projects across all seven of the state’s municipalities. The Programa de Inclusión Productiva y Sustentable (Program for Productive and Sustainable Inclusion) is offering awards ranging from 30,000 to 250,000 pesos (roughly $1,700 to $14,500 USD).
The state’s Tourism Secretariat is accepting applications at its main office and municipal branches in Tijuana, Mexicali, Ensenada, Tecate, Rosarito, San Quintín, and San Felipe. The program is run by the Directorate of Tourism Investment and Development.
Three Tiers of Funding Available
The tourism grants are divided into three categories based on project scope. The smallest tier provides up to 30,000 pesos (about $1,700 USD) for artisans to purchase materials, tools, or product inventory. A mid-level tier offers up to 50,000 pesos (roughly $2,900 USD) for eco-friendly technology upgrades at existing tourism operations.
The largest grants, worth up to 250,000 pesos, target organized groups developing complete tourism routes and experiences. These could include adventure tourism circuits, gastronomy trails, or nature-based excursions.
Priority Groups and Track Record
The program gives priority to women, indigenous community members, people with disabilities, and elderly applicants. According to Tourism Secretary Miguel Aguíñiga Rodríguez, 58% of funded projects so far have been led by women. The program has also backed 30 initiatives developed in indigenous communities.
To date, more than 180 projects have received funding under the program. Past recipients have operated in categories including adventure tourism, gastronomy, and social tourism. The state also runs a related program called Corazones Viajeros (Traveling Hearts), launched in 2023, which has provided subsidized travel to more than 17,000 residents from low-income backgrounds.
How to Apply
Applicants can submit proposals at the State Tourism Secretariat or at its municipal offices. Documentation requirements apply, though specifics were not detailed in the announcement. The program covers all seven municipalities in Baja California, reaching communities from the U.S. border zone down to San Quintín and San Felipe on the Sea of Cortez coast.
This story was first reported by The Baja Post.