Baja California Sur continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and sustained growth in its tourism sector, one of the state’s economic pillars. The influx of visitors remains robust, and the outlook is encouraging, according to Fernando Ojeda Aguilar, the state’s Undersecretary of Tourism.
This, despite challenges such as the recent travel warnings issued by the United States, which have even led the U.S. government to designate specific areas in Baja California Sur that its nationals should avoid due to the violence reported in April.
How have the U.S. travel warnings impacted tourism in Baja California Sur?
Fernando Ojeda Aguilar was emphatic in pointing out that despite the warnings issued by the U.S. government following certain violent incidents, Baja California Sur’s tourism industry has not been affected.
On the contrary, the first quarter has seen record numbers, and important agreements have been reached to expand air connectivity, which bodes well for the future of various Baja California destinations.
The Undersecretary assured that there have been no flight cancellations and activity remains “intense and uneventful.”
He explained that these alerts are a common practice of the U.S. State Department for its citizens and officials, and that Baja California Sur has typically remained at Level 2, which does not imply imminent danger.
Although a specific recommendation was issued to “consider traveling” after the unfortunate events, such as the truck fires and other violent incidents, on Red Tuesday last April, this did not stop the arrival of visitors.
In fact, the first quarter of the year was “very positive,” with a “record-breaking spring break” that welcomed 55,000 students, surpassing other destinations.
Holy Week was also “quite successful,” reaching peak occupancy rates of between 80% and 90% in some locations, especially in the northern region, which is highly sought after by road tourism. The undersecretary added that the state’s overall average occupancy rate has remained around 70% year-round in recent years, indicating that “there hasn’t been a low season as such for many years.”
What new air routes are expected for Baja California Sur and what do they mean?
The recent Mexican Tourist Market was the stage for the announcement of five new air connections for Baja California Sur, the result of collaboration with airlines such as TAR, Viva Aerobus, and Volaris.
The new routes that will begin operating this year are: Aguascalientes-La Paz, Los Mochis-La Paz, Tijuana-La Paz, Felipe Ángeles Airport (AIFA)-La Paz, and Ontario (California)-San José del Cabo.
Ojeda Aguilar highlighted the route from Aguascalientes as “strategic,” given the purchasing power of the Bajío market, which represents a potential influx of travelers to the peninsula.
These new connections are in addition to the expansion projects at the La Paz and San José del Cabo airports, managed by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP).
For the Undersecretary, this “undoubtedly means more tourism and the possibility for Southern Californians of more alternatives to travel to other parts of Mexico and the world.”
They are working together with GAP to identify passenger origins and understand their demands, in order to propose new flight options, although the final decision rests with the airlines.
What is BCS’s strategy compared to other major destinations like Cancún?
Baja California Sur is not seeking direct competition in terms of volume with tourism giants like Cancún, clarified Fernando Ojeda.
“We don’t have to compete with anyone,” he stated, explaining that the state has “a different profile and level, even in terms of services.”
He emphasized the “sufficient resources (in the 1980s), incomparable environmental conditions, and first-class sociodemographics” that distinguish the state.
With approximately 29,000 hotel rooms, compared to more than 140,000 in the Riviera Maya (which includes Cancún), they are “different tourism models.”
The strategy focuses on diversification and attracting specific customer profiles who value BCS’s unique offering.
Participation in events like the Tourist Market is essential, where more than 60 local businesses established business meetings this year.
In addition, South Californian cuisine and handicrafts were promoted, including pieces made of palm, clay, and dead wood.
Regarding internal challenges, such as traffic in Los Cabos, the Undersecretary acknowledged the problem, indicating that work is being done on solutions, such as an infrastructure project about to begin. Although he emphasized that this has not been a recurring complaint from tourists, who, through organized transportation companies and taxi drivers, usually anticipate these inconveniences.
Source: posta
