Tourism efficiency in mexican states by visitor origin: exploring the strategic role of cultural resources

Abstract

This study analyzes the tourism efficiency of Mexican states between 2011 and 2019 through a two-stage approach. In the first stage, a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model with a managerial orientation was applied to measure the capacity to transform tourist arrivals and hotel supply into overnight stays, considered as an indicator of economic impact. In the second stage, a truncated regression was used to identify the factors explaining efficiency. Results show that domestic tourism is more efficient than international tourism, reflecting a more balanced territorial distribution compared to the spatial concentration of the latter. The combination of both flows generates synergies that enhance efficiency in states that integrate cultural attractions with sun-and-beach resources. Positive factors include coastal location, the presence of Pueblos Mágicos, and the added value of arts and heritage, while GDP per capita has a negative effect. In terms of public policy, it is recom mended to complement beach destinations with cultural programming and, in inland states, to strengthen heritage and performing arts, confir ming the relevance of the Pueblos Mágicos network as a key tool to diversify tourism benefits.