GOOGLE MAPS COMMITTED TO RIVIERA MAYA’S PROSPERITY

Google Maps is celebrating its 15th anniversary in Mexico. Since its launch in 2005, Google Maps has become an essential tool for navigation and exploration, helping millions of users worldwide find directions, discover points of interest, and plan efficient routes. Over the years, the platform has continuously evolved, incorporating advanced features like Street View, real-time traffic updates, personalized recommendations, and artificial intelligence, solidifying its position as the leading global mapping service.

Expansion in Southeastern Mexico

Sebastián Hiernaux, Head of Strategic Partnerships for Google Maps, and Karina Alarcón, Head of Strategic Partnerships for Google Search, talk about Google’s expansion in regions like the Riviera Maya, Mérida, and Oaxaca.

Digitization of Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport

Hiernaux highlighted: “We have fully digitized the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (Tulum Airport). We have been working on this for several months with SEDENA. The second major project focuses on highways, specifically the new Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido highway, officially named Barranca Larga — Ventanilla. This highway represents a significant shift in how people communicate and travel. The third announcement concerns public transportation, as we have added the city of Mérida, which makes us very happy. The collaboration with the Yucatán State Transport Authority has been crucial for this initiative.”

Mapping the Tulum Airport

In this project, Google conducted a detailed mapping of the new Tulum Airport, integrating updated aerial and satellite images. This update includes key points of interest such as parking lots, terminals, and fixed-base operators (FBOs), significantly enhancing the visitor experience. Additionally, the digitalization was optimized to ensure accurate routes, avoiding unpaved roads and recalibrating algorithms to provide more precise time estimates.

Hiernaux explained: “Regarding the airport, we started with the basics, beginning with cartography. My team and I ensured the collection of all necessary data to model the airport, updating everything related to satellite photography, especially in the Riviera Maya, where the weather can complicate the shots.”

Mapping the Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido Highway

The new Oaxaca — Puerto Escondido highway (Ventanilla — Barranca Larga) has also been meticulously mapped. In addition to tracing the infrastructure in the application, satellite images were progressively updated, travel times adjusted, and 360° images were captured with Street View to offer a complete experience.

“For the highways, besides Street View, we have added important descriptive factors, including costs and points of interest. We used a fleet of vehicles to map thousands of kilometers of highways, adding toll booths and points of interest such as gas stations and restaurants, so users can plan their trips adequately,” said Hiernaux.

Public Transportation in Mérida

In collaboration with the Yucatán Transport Agency (ATY), Google Maps has integrated Mérida’s public transportation services as an available route option. This includes details about transport routes, schedules, frequencies, and directions, allowing users to make informed decisions and enjoy a safe and pleasant journey.

“For the third project, related to public transportation, we worked with state authorities to include all stops and schedules of public transport. This allows users to make informed travel decisions, considering factors like the fastest route or the best places to stop for a meal,” said Hiernaux.

Training for Businesses and Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Through the SURGES project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Google has collaborated to train SMEs in the tourism industry in southeastern Mexico, optimizing their digital presence and Business Profiles. This initiative has led to the incorporation of more than 1,500 tourist businesses into Google Maps, giving them greater visibility.

“We are constantly improving how people explore travel queries. We are excited to share that we are working together with online ticket sales platforms to continue boosting the local tourism economy,” said Karina Alarcón, Head of Strategic Partnerships for Google Search.

Integration of a New Travel Module

This year, Google launched a new Travel Module integrated into both Search and Google Maps. This feature allows travelers to find, compare, and choose bus routes between cities, facilitating access to ticket sales platforms and transport service providers.