29 US-Mexico Exchange on Cave and Karst Science and Conservation

This session welcomes submissions in fields related with cave and karst sciences applied in Mexico, with a special interest in showcasing present or past US-Mexico binational collaborations, inter- and multidisciplinary studies and community outreach projects.

Thursday, 23 April 2026
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
LMH, Meeting Room

Tourism Management in Global Cave Systems: Lessons from Mammoth Cave and Sac Actún

Paper number: 29-3
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 2:15 PM – 2:35 PM

Authors

Abstract

Mammoth Cave (Kentucky, United States) and Sac Actún (Quintana Roo, Mexico) represent two of the most significant cave systems worldwide due to their size, environmental value, scientific importance, and tourism development. Mammoth Cave is recognized as the largest cave system on the planet, with over 680 km of explored passages, and is integrated into a national park under an institutionalized tourism management model focused on environmental education, conservation, and high-volume visitation. In contrast, Sac Actún extends approximately 318 km and forms part of the Yucatán Peninsula aquifer, standing out for its close relationship with biocultural heritage, cenotes, biodiversity, and nature- and adventure-based tourism.

The objective of this study is to analyze tourism activities developed in both systems, describing the services offered to visitors. The methodology is based on a systematic review of academic literature, institutional documents, and social media sources, complemented by descriptive quantitative analysis and thematic categorization. The expected outcome is to identify similarities and differences in tourism approaches, as well as best practices and challenges associated with cave tourism. This comparative analysis aims to provide insights to strengthen tourism management in Sac Actún and promote its development as a sustainable destination of international relevance.

Keywords: Mammoth Cave, Sac Actún, cave tourism, sustainable management.

 

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 3

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026CD-410897

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