**Tijuana Restaurants Consider Extending Hours for Christmas Dinners**
As the holiday season approaches, restaurants in Tijuana are considering extending their operating hours on December 24th to accommodate those who prefer to dine out on Christmas Eve. Zaida López Sánchez, the President of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (Canirac) in Tijuana, noted the growing trend of people opting to spend their Christmas dinners at restaurants. “There has been a notable increase in demand for Christmas dinners at restaurants, with many individuals inquiring about dining options available for the holiday,” she explained.
Traditionally, most restaurants in the city close early on Christmas Eve. However, due to an increasing preference for dining out or purchasing prepared meals to enjoy at home, some establishments are adapting by offering more flexible options. Many long-time restaurateurs are also setting up holiday bazaars featuring Christmas meal packages for customers to take home.
In addition to restaurants, Tijuana’s hotels and bars are also gearing up for New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31st. López Sánchez highlighted the growing competition among restaurants this year, with many offering a wider array of options to attract diners. The sector remains hopeful about growth in the coming year, particularly following the implementation of recent labor reforms.
**Related News: Tijuana’s Hospitality Sector Prepares for 2024 Challenges**
As Tijuana’s restaurant industry adapts to evolving consumer preferences during the holiday season, the broader hospitality sector is also preparing for potential challenges and opportunities in 2024. With over 11 million international visitors expected by the end of the year, local businesses are bracing for increased activity while navigating the complexities of recent economic changes.
One pressing issue is the impact of a 12% increase in the minimum wage, which is expected to affect social security contributions and pose challenges for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Despite these obstacles, the wage hike is expected to benefit approximately 700,000 workers throughout Baja California.
In response to local conditions, initiatives such as the implementation of sobriety checkpoints and campaigns against cyber fraud aim to ensure a safer holiday season. Additionally, community-driven efforts, such as the fundraising race organized to upgrade the computer lab at Colegio Salesiano Don Bosco, exemplify positive localized responses to broader economic shifts.
Tijuana’s hospitality and broader business sectors remain at a critical juncture, balancing the potential for growth with the need to adapt to both economic pressures and shifting consumer behaviors.