**Potential Economic Impact of DNR Application on Tijuana: Canaco Servytur**
The implementation of the Right of Visitors Without Permission for Remunerated Activities (DNR) could significantly affect the border area’s economy, as highlighted by Julián Palombo Saucedo, president of the National Chamber of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Canaco Servytur) in Tijuana.
“We’re all impacted by this on the border, directly or indirectly, as the resources flowing in benefit all Tijuana residents. The impact would be substantial,” Palombo Saucedo emphasized.
From this past weekend, the National Institute of Migration (INM) reinstated the DNR fee of 717 pesos for tourists crossing from the United States into Mexico at the San Ysidro pedestrian crossing. This measure has considerably increased wait times, as Mexican citizens must now provide official identification to prove their nationality and fill out a form at the INM, making the process longer and more cumbersome.
The Canaco president stressed that they will request Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda to work with federal authorities to streamline border crossings between San Ysidro and Tijuana. He proposed the introduction of a visa-type card for frequent crossers, simplifying their journeys similar to the system in place for Mexican residents’ tourist visas.
“In response to increased wait times, more inspection lines and additional staff should be implemented at border crossings,” said Palombo Saucedo. Currently, only two lanes – one for Mexicans and another for foreigners – are operational. Expanding this infrastructure would significantly alleviate congestion and improve efficiency.
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**Tijuana’s Cross-Border Wedding Industry Faces Challenges Amid DNR Implementation**
Further compounding the issue, new restrictions and the reimplementation of the DNR fee are causing concerns across various sectors reliant on cross-border interactions. One such industry is Tijuana’s booming wedding business, enlisting vendors from both sides of the border.
Wedding planners, who typically coordinate services ranging from floral arrangements to catering and venue reservations, now face disruptions due to the increased processing times at the border. “Many of our clients and suppliers cross frequently,” explained a local wedding planner. “The new measures have led to prolonged waiting periods, disrupting our scheduling and adding unforeseen costs.”
Efforts to streamline the cross-border flow, much needed for businesses that depend on quick and easy access, are crucial. Wedding vendors are joining calls for more efficient systems, similar to the proposed frequent-crosser card mentioned by Canaco Servytur, to assist their day-to-day operations without unnecessary delays.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for more coverage and updates on the effects of these policies and efforts to address them.