The SpaceX launches on the border between Mexico and the United States are driving Matamoros’ business community to attract investment in the tourism sector. Playa Bagdad is being promoted by Coparmex (Mexico’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to establish a project aimed at its base of operations in Boca Chica, within the Brownsville area.
Members of the business organization, led by María de Lourdes Ramirez Andrade, head of the organization in the border city, will present to their counterparts in McAllen the conditions for creating recreational spaces at the destination and for takeoffs for Elon Musk’s corporate headquarters.
At the same time, they also await the arrival of other companies that supply the aerospace industry, in addition to the expected potential with the launch of Puerto del Norte, located in the El Mezquital region.
“We’re going to hold a meeting in McAllen. We’ll talk with businesspeople who intend to invest in the area overlooking the company’s facilities and observe the launches. We’ll discuss the infrastructure for better viewing and take advantage of the location’s location on the Mexican side. The space theme is reflected in the number of tourists we receive when SpaceX launches, and it’s a help,” he mentioned.
The operations base, completed in 2020, with an area of 165,000 square meters and located a few kilometers from the mouth of the Rio Grande, began to experience increased activity in the last two years through tests of spacecraft like Starship, some of which were successful.
This sparked a desire among residents of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, and the northeast region to witness the procedure, generating activity in hotels and restaurants, according to local business representatives.
“The intention is to promote significant investment, with tours of Playa Bagdad and, as a culmination, a viewing platform for the takeoffs. Some people arrive a day early to get their bearings and witness them,” said Ramirez Andrade.
Along with this, the city aims to attract investment in suppliers to the sector, as the launch of a port terminal approaches.
“There are other companies interested in both the aerospace and hydrocarbon sectors, due to the expected activity at the El Mezquital port. We will promote this and, at the same time, invite them to invest in Matamoros, offering them the best conditions for their establishment,” he stated.
Source: milenio
