In a recent conversation with Baja California Sur Secretary of Tourism, Economy and Sustainability Luis H. Araiza where he stated that occupation in the 25 thousand hotel rooms in the state is progressing at an excellent pace:

“… We are registering very good occupation especially in the southern part of the state that’s privileged by the US and Canadian markets.  On average in Loreto, La Paz and Los Cabos we are talking about figures close to 70%, which is a very good indicator and that the curve that was regularly lowering because it is not “in season” was more pronounced and right now we are benefiting as well by hosting more national tourists.  Loreto is at 63%, La Paz and Los Cabos are both above 70% occupancy ...”

He also noted that compared to last year we have a significant growth.

“I would say that with growth of just over 10% compared to last year and last year we received around three and a half million visitors just by air and cruise ships, we hope to exceed that figure by more than 10% this year.”

On the disappearance of the national Tourism Promotion Council and the impact that could have on tourism in this entity, he said:

 “… the absence of the CPTM I believe it is going to have a disadvantage in the medium term especially for the country brand, however, being Baja California Sur a destination that depends to a large extent, on 70% of the northern market that are the United States and Canada, we will continue to attract them, we will continue to promote there, we are also diversifying the market with sports tourism, adventure tourism and with European tourism ..”

On the impact of tourism on the state economy, he stated:

 “…the gross domestic product that is the wealth generated in a state, we are above 13%, well above the national framework, where the average is around 2%. This year the country is hardly going to reach that 2%, and we are well above the second place that is at 6 or 7%, so then we are with very good numbers... ”

Translation by Tony Perez Dillon