**Tourism on a National Level Declines, But Tijuana Holds Steady: Cotuco**
Despite a noticeable decline in national tourism figures, Tijuana has managed to maintain a steady influx of visitors, according to Karim Chalita RodrÃguez, president of the Tourism and Convention Committee (Cotuco) in Tijuana. Nationally, air travel entries have decreased by 3.1% this year, yet Tijuana expects to close 2024 with visitor numbers similar to those of 2023.
Chalita RodrÃguez acknowledged that while there have been months with declining visitor numbers, there have also been periods where these numbers increased between 10% and 20%. He attributes the fluctuations to various factors, including adverse weather conditions which significantly impacted the first quarter of the year, resulting in a 15% to 20% drop in certain areas of tourism.
Despite challenges such as delayed border crossings and inflation in the United States affecting tourism, various sectors in Tijuana have either stabilized or seen slight increases. The medical tourism and real estate sectors have remained steady without any significant increases or declines.
The gastronomy sector, which saw a dip in the first quarter, has rebounded by 10% to 15% more recently. The bar scene has remained consistent, and local tattoo parlors are reportedly doing well. Chalita RodrÃguez emphasized that the economic challenges in the neighboring United States had led to the closure of many businesses, further stressing the challenges faced by the tourism industry.
**Additional News on Tijuana’s Tourism**
In related news, there have been discussions about future initiatives to boost tourism and beautify Tijuana. According to various sources, local authorities are preparing a portfolio of projects aimed at enhancing the city’s aesthetic appeal and creating more inclusive spaces, which activists believe could further drive tourism.
Furthermore, the recent address by Tijuana’s government highlighted the potential benefits of these projects for the local community and tourists alike. Plans include the development of more public areas that could host events and activities, thereby attracting more visitors.
As Tijuana continues to navigate through the economic and logistical hurdles, these initiatives indicate a proactive approach to maintaining and possibly increasing its tourism appeal. The focus remains on ensuring that the city remains a vibrant destination even amidst the broader declines in national tourism figures.