### Tourism in Tijuana Surges by 30% During Summer: Cotuco Tijuana
During the summer vacation period, tourism in Tijuana saw a remarkable increase of 30%, according to Karim Chalita Rodríguez, president of the city’s Committee of Tourism and Conventions (Cotuco). Despite a decline in visitor numbers during the early months of the year due to adverse weather conditions, the overall performance for the first half of the year met expectations.
Chalita Rodríguez noted that the increase varied across different sectors, with most experiencing a surge of 20 to 30%. The only sectors that remained stable were medical and real estate tourism. Between May and August, the number of visitors from Southern California rose by 20%, significantly boosting local tourism activities.
The rise in temperature attracted tourists to various festivals and popular destinations such as Tijuana’s beaches, Rosarito, and the Valle de Guadalupe. Chalita Rodríguez revealed that around 8.4 million people visited Tijuana between January and July, which includes crossings via the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) that links Tijuana International Airport with San Diego.
Tour operators in Tijuana reported an overall increase in tourist traffic by 20 to 25%. The gastronomic sector saw a rise in diners by 10 to 20%, while hotel occupancy reached nearly 70% during the vacation period. According to the Baja California Tourism Observatory, Tijuana’s tourism activities account for 45.18% of the state’s GDP, making it the most vital municipality in this sector statewide.
Furthermore, Chalita Rodríguez mentioned that information from the Northwest Hotels Association (ASHONO) indicates that the city’s hotel infrastructure has strengthened in recent years, with plans to open five new establishments in the coming year.
### Additional News: Unlock Tijuana’s Tourism Potential with Baja Beach Fest and New Initiatives
The Baja Beach Fest, held annually in Tijuana, has been a significant driver of increased hotel occupancy and restaurant turnover. This summer, the festival drew in a large crowd, contributing immensely to the hospitality sector’s performance.
To ensure tourists are adequately protected, local authorities are considering enhanced measures for tourist safety. This comes as part of wider initiatives to bolster Tijuana’s appeal as a premier tourism destination.
Economic experts indicate that Tijuana’s relationship with the United States is crucial, especially considering that 80% of the maquiladora factories operating in the state are American-owned. This cross-border economic symbiosis significantly impacts local tourism, commerce, and employment.
In terms of local events, the recent spike in tourism has also sparked activities such as family protests demanding action on missing persons cases and teachers staging sit-ins for better educational resources. Despite these challenges, the city continues to thrive economically, with tourism playing a pivotal role in its continued growth and development.