Despite the wave of violence that Sinaloa has been experiencing for seven months, federal, state, and municipal authorities, as well as members of the tourism sector, anticipate a rebound during the Easter holiday period in Mazatlán, which is expected to be safe.
By 2025, Sinaloa’s main tourist destination expects to welcome more than 500,000 people, with an estimated hotel occupancy rate of 90 percent and an expected economic impact of 1.6 billion pesos.
During 2024, the port registered 92 percent occupancy, with 350,000 visitors and an impact exceeding 1.2 billion pesos.
Mayor’s Office anticipates high influx
Mayor Estrella Palacios Domínguez indicated that from April 13 to 26—the period that encompasses Holy Week and Easter, and coincides with International Motorcycle Week—an influx of half a million tourists is expected.
In addition to the expected hotel occupancy and economic benefits, Palacios reported that five cruise ships will arrive, representing nearly 20,000 international tourists. Sporting events will also be held, such as the Mazatlán FC matches against Chivas and Xolos de Tijuana, where around 20,000 fans are expected.
Regarding security, he indicated that nearly 3,000 officers from all three levels of government will participate, distributed in surveillance rings in the tourist area, highways, neighborhoods, and rural areas. There will be six observation points: two in the north, two in the center, and two in the south of the municipality.
“There will be patrols throughout the municipality and special brigades during Holy Week. We will have personnel from the Tourist Police and the Chief Officer’s Office deployed at strategic points in the tourist area,” he added.
Investment in Tourism Promotion
The head of the Sinaloa Tourism Secretariat, Mireya Sosa Osuna, announced an investment of six million pesos for tourism promotion campaigns leading up to Holy Week and Easter, with the goal of strengthening the “Mazatlán, a Sea of Stories” brand.
The strategy is being implemented in collaboration with travel agencies such as Despegar and Best Day, as well as the port’s hotel associations, in a bipartisan investment. The campaigns target strategic markets, such as cities with direct flights and frequent highway routes.
Sosa Osuna estimated that during Holy Week, from April 13 to 20, more than 100,000 tourists will arrive, with an economic impact of 840 million pesos. During Easter Week, from April 21 to 27, which coincides with Motorcycle Week, an additional 80,000 tourists are expected to arrive, with an impact of 900 million pesos and a hotel occupancy rate of 86 percent.
Hoteliers Acknowledge Recovery
José Ramón Manguart Sánchez, president of the Tres Islas Hotel Association, indicated that occupancy expectations remain at 90 percent, with tourists from states such as Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Durango, Baja California, Bajío, and Mexico City.
“During Holy Week 2024, we had an average occupancy rate of 92 percent. Now, the expectation is 90 percent. We are in a recovery process, going from less to more, and as safety conditions continue to improve, people will regain confidence,” he commented.
He acknowledged that the sector has faced difficulties since September of last year, but highlighted the joint work with authorities to reactivate tourism activity.
Highway Safety
Érick Mandujano Caro, president of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry in Mazatlán, highlighted the increased presence of security personnel on the highways, which has contributed to making the roads safer for those visiting the port by land.
He noted that 90 percent of domestic tourism arrives in Mazatlán by road, so it is essential to maintain active operations. “There is a visible presence at the toll booths. The Mazatlán-Durango route is also being monitored. Although I haven’t traveled there recently, plans to strengthen surveillance during Holy Week have been presented at the security desks,” he noted.
Statewide Operation Throughout Sinaloa
Throughout the state, authorities expect the arrival of more than two million vacationers during the period, not only in sun and beach destinations, but also in municipalities with religious and cultural activities, such as the five Magical Towns: El Fuerte, Mocorito, Cosalá, San Ignacio, and El Rosario.
Source: oem
