**Tourism in Tijuana’s Historic Center Drops by 80% Due to Safety and Cleanliness Issues**
Tijuana’s historic center, once a bustling hub for both local and international visitors, is witnessing a dramatic decline in tourism. Guillermo Diaz Orozco, the president of the local Merchants Association, reports that the area has experienced an 80% drop in tourist numbers. Diaz attributes this decline to increasing concerns over safety and cleanliness.
Previously a hotspot for weekend visits from Mexican Americans, the area is now experiencing a significant loss of visitors due to reports of crime and violence spreading through media. “We never used to hear of such crimes in the center, but now they are a regular occurrence, even in daylight,” lamented Diaz.
The congestion caused by traffic and security concerns tops the list of issues deterring tourists. For those who do visit, many are family relatives rather than leisure tourists, marking a departure from past trends. The belief prevalent among the merchants is that the return of tourists will not be sparked by advertising campaigns but by significant improvements in street safety and cleanliness.
In a bid to enhance security, local businesses had previously donated bicycles to police, aimed at increasing patrol efficiency. However, this initiative was discontinued by the former municipal administration. Hopes are high that the new city government will revive these efforts.
He also highlighted that the intense presence of street vendors and aggressive homeless individuals further hampers the charm of the historic center. To mitigate these issues, Diaz proposes that municipal delegations should have dedicated budgets and decision-making autonomy so they can address specific local needs effectively. For instance, a suggestion was made to return 25% of local property tax revenues to their respective zones.
**Additional Context: Efforts to Improve Tijuana**
In response to the downturn, Tijuana’s officials are exploring various avenues to revitalize the city’s tourism sector. A recent initiative is aimed at cleaning up and beautifying the city’s historic core to attract visitors.
Moreover, city planners are considering re-routing traffic in certain key areas to alleviate congestion, hoping to provide an easier and more appealing experience for pedestrians and potential tourists. Alongside these measures, the new administration is planning to launch awareness campaigns that focus on the cultural and historical significance of the area to rekindle interest and attract a diverse audience once more.
Efforts are also being directed at empowering local businesses to shift their focus towards creating offerings that cater more robustly to international tourists, promising a diverse experience steeped in local culture and traditions.
As Tijuana seeks to shake off its current woes, all eyes are on local government initiatives and their effectiveness in steering the historic center back onto the path of prosperity.