Fernando Ojeda Aguilar, the Undersecretary of Tourism, announced that the region welcomed a total of 4.1 million air travelers in 2022. As the year draws to a close, this number is expected to be surpassed, with forecasts indicating this figure could rise to as much as 4.5 million passengers via the same route.
“This represents a great achievement, a great challenge at a time when of course we have all the destinations in the world where there is more competition, but finishing with good grades is the most important thing because that is where the rest is for next time. When the year comes, we are very happy.”
LOW 1000
He pointed out that the important catalyst for the influx of tourists to this region has been the organization of gastronomic and sporting events. A notable example is the historical one Baja 1000 race, which first started in La Paz. This recent event alone saw a 100 percent increase in hotel occupancy as thousands of people flocked to the city from different states of the world.
He said Score International, the organizer of the globally renowned race, has been considering Baja California Sur as a potential site for a unique Baja 1000 circuit in the state. They expect that negotiations on such a significant event can begin early this year. This event could further increase the visibility and appeal of the destination.
“We are waiting for Score to analyze how this race went for them as a company. It was a success in every respect and they will analyze the best route as it would be an intra-state circuit. I imagine that by the beginning of this year we will sit down and organize together with the company the opportunity to create a local product that will certainly be successful.”
Hotel occupancy
The official made the announcement just days before the end of the year hotel occupancy currently fluctuates between 80 and 85 percent. Projections indicate that this percentage could reach as high as 90 percent by the end of 2023, especially in December, which is one of the peak seasons for the arrival of foreign tourists. He emphasized that this region is one of the country’s most important tourist destinations.
“Baja California Sur maintains an annual average occupancy rate of 70 percent, this is above the national average of 56 percent, so this positions us among the most important sun and beach destinations after Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos and then Puerto Vallarta in international aviation passengers.”
Area connectivity
On air connectivity, he outlined plans for 2024, highlighting continued efforts to establish connections to additional international destinations. In the case of the municipality of La Paz, negotiations are underway with airlines and it is hoped that a flight to Los Angeles will take place via Volaris next year. Although finalization by the airline is still pending, the prospects appear promising.
At the same time, efforts are focused on fast-growing markets. The aim is in particular to further strengthen ties with the European market by launching the flight to Madrid in its third season, a route that has seen considerable success.
In light of the recent visit of the Guatemalan Ambassador to Mexico, Marco Chicas Sosa, it was announced that discussions were taking place between the Ministry of Tourism and the Embassy on the possibility of developing routes connecting to this destination. In this regard, the neighboring country has shown significant interest.
“We have a Cancun – San José del Cabo flight and that would be the main route to connect back and forth to Guatemala. We believe that any connections we can take advantage of to expand new markets are just as important as the connections we already have. We are working to not depend on just one market, but to diversify.”
Finally, he underlined the concerted efforts being made to increase the attractiveness of the destination through cultural, rural and sports tourism. The aim is to offer more than just sun and sand, and ensure that travelers from all over the world are aware of the diverse range of experiences in Baja California Sur when visiting this region.
