The southern region of Veracruz, particularly Coatzacoalcos, is experiencing one of the lowest hotel occupancy rates at the start of Holy Week, in contrast to other destinations in the state that are reaching high levels of tourist influx.
According to reports from tourism authorities, the Olmeca region, where Coatzacoalcos is located, has an average hotel occupancy rate of 56.10%, placing it below the state average of 87.41%.
This low influx occurs amidst the effects of the hydrocarbon spill that began on March 2nd in southern Veracruz, which initially impacted this area before spreading to the central and northern parts of the state.
The oil slicks, which federal authorities believe originated from natural sources and a leak from an unidentified vessel, have generated concern among tourism service providers and residents of the region.
To date, the total amount of pollutants has exceeded 700 tons, according to a report by the Interinstitutional Group, comprised of agencies such as the Navy (Semar), the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), Pemex, and the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa).
While the south faces a slower recovery, other regions of the state are reporting high tourist demand.
The area known as the First Steps of Cortés, which includes Veracruz, Boca del Río, Úrsulo Galván, Alvarado, and Tlacotalpan, has reached an average occupancy rate of 92.99%.
At the destination level, Jalcomulco (98.50%), Tlacotalpan (98.10%), and Úrsulo Galván (95.10%) stand out, along with Orizaba (92.15%) and the Los Tuxtlas region with around 90%.
Meanwhile, destinations in the Huasteca and Totonaca regions, such as Tuxpan, Tamiahua, Tecolutla and Nautla, also maintain close to 90% occupancy.
Source: lasillarota
