### Surge in Tourism by 30% During Summer: Cotuco Tijuana
Tijuana, known for its vibrant culture and close proximity to the U.S. border, has seen a significant boost in tourism this summer. According to Karim Chalita Rodríguez, president of the Tijuana Tourism and Convention Committee (Cotuco), visitor numbers soared by 30% during the summer months compared to earlier in the year.
The president mentioned that despite a decline in tourist numbers in the first few months of 2024 due to adverse weather conditions, the expectations for the end of the first half of the year were met. “We observed an increase of approximately 20% to 30% depending on the sector, with most sectors experiencing growth. The only sectors that remained stable were medical and real estate tourism,” Rodríguez said.
In comparison to the initial months of 2024, tourism activity saw a marked improvement, particularly from May to August, with a 20% rise in visitors from Southern California. “The arrival of warm weather ushers in various festivals, prompting people to frequent popular destinations like Tijuana, Rosarito, and Valle de Guadalupe,” Rodríguez elaborated.
Tijuana welcomed around 8.4 million visitors between January and July, including those crossing via the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) that links Tijuana International Airport with San Diego. Tour operators in Tijuana reported an overall increase in tourist influx ranging between 20% and 25%. The gastronomic sector, in particular, enjoyed a boost with a 10% to 20% rise in diners, while hotel occupancy reached nearly 70% during the vacation period.
According to the Baja California Tourism Observatory, Tijuana’s tourism sector accounts for 45.18% of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making it the most critical municipality in this regard.
Rodríguez also highlighted that Tijuana’s hotel infrastructure has been strengthened, with five new establishments set to open next year, as per information from the Northwest Hotels Association (Ashono).
### Secondary Article: The Impact of Festivals and Events on Tijuana’s Tourism
In addition to general tourism growth, specific events and festivals have positively impacted Tijuana’s tourist numbers. The city’s strategic location near the U.S. border enables it to attract a large number of visitors for both short and extended stays.
Events such as the Baja Beach Fest have significantly contributed to increased hotel occupancy and restaurant patronage. The music festival, known for featuring popular Latin and reggaeton artists, drew in a large crowd this year, translating to almost full hotel bookings and bustling local eateries.
Another contributing factor is the continuous development and publicity of Tijuana’s beaches and nearby attractions like Rosarito and Valle de Guadalupe. These areas are increasingly popular for day trips and weekend getaways, especially among visitors from Southern California.
Efforts by local authorities to ensure visitor safety and enhance the overall tourist experience have also played a vital role. Investment in infrastructure, such as improved hotel facilities and the Cross Border Xpress, makes the city more accessible and appealing to a broader audience.
In summary, Tijuana’s strategic initiatives and events signify a well-rounded development strategy poised to sustain and even further the city’s tourism growth in the future.
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