BajaNomad - Tourism hurting in Baja

Tourism hurting in Baja

bajabound2005 - 10-21-2008 at 07:44 AM

Tourism hurting in Baja

Continuing violence, struggling U.S. economy take toll
By Sandra Dibble
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

October 21, 2008

TIJUANA – In five decades at the same spot on Tijuana's Avenida Revolucion, Raúl Mendiola's store has built a loyal clientele eager for brightly colored Talavera pottery, Oaxacan wood carvings and nativity scenes made of tin.

JOHN GIBBINS / Union-Tribune
Avenida Revolucion in Tijuana was mostly deserted on what would normally be a busy afternoon. Violence, a troubled U.S. economy and clogged border crossings have dealt a triple blow to hotels, shops and restaurants near the border that are dependent on American tourists.
But these days, few are dropping by the Emporium, a small shop filled with pieces signed by craftsmen from across Mexico.
From Avenida Revolucion to Rosarito Beach's Bulevar Benito Juarez, merchants report that business has never been worse. Increased violence, a troubled U.S. economy and clogged border crossings have dealt a triple blow to hotels, shops and restaurants near the border that are dependent on American tourists.

Government officials and business leaders are hard-pressed to measure just how much the recent reports of violence have contributed to the decline in visitors, and they point out that tourists are not being targeted. More than 140 people have been killed in Tijuana since Sept. 26 as drug gangs battle each other and government forces; the great majority of victims have links to organized crime, state investigators say.

Still, “clients that we've had for years and years aren't coming because they're afraid,” said Mendiola, standing behind a glass case filled with ornately designed platters. He in part blames media reports “that give the impression that we are worse than Baghdad.”

It's not just traditional tourist-oriented businesses that are affected, though they are hurt more than most. Doctors, dentists, mechanics, beauticians, music teachers – anyone who relies on clients from north of the border – have been feeling increasingly squeezed in recent months as fewer clients cross.

Baja California's tourism secretariat this year expects overall border crossings to fall to 100 million from 110 million, close to 9 percent, a figure that includes crossings for school, work and shopping in both directions.

“Economically, it has never been as bad,” said Hugo Torres, mayor of Rosarito Beach, where more than half the jobs are tied to tourism. He also owns the Rosarito Beach Hotel.

On Avenida Revolucion, merchants groups say 50 percent to 70 percent of businesses have shut down, and surviving shops report their sales are down as much as 80 percent to 90 percent since 2001.

Some speak of hunkering down for the next few months, believing that conditions will improve and visitors will return.

“I see a good 2009,” Torres said.

Like others with many years in the business, Avenida Revolucion's Mendiola said he counts on his faithful clients' word-of-mouth recommendations: “That's the hope that keeps us going.”

On Avenida Revolucion last week, Martina Longaver, a 33-year-old investment banker from the Czech Republic, said she had crossed the border with her husband for the day from San Diego. “We traveled all around the world, so we think we can take care of ourselves,” she said as they wandered from shop to shop.

Sophia Castro, 43, of San Diego brought her parents, retirees from Los Angeles, to Tijuana on Saturday for the Tequila Expo. They parked in San Ysidro, then rode a bus to Avenida Revolucion. The violence “just makes me be more aware of my surroundings. I stay in the tourist areas,” Castro said.

Her parents, she said, “were a little concerned,” about crossing. “But they're ready to go again. Next year, they want to spend the night.”

With fewer casual tourists, planned events are more critical than ever, and state officials have been working to keep those going. “Once we organize people, they're willing to come down,” said Baja California Tourism Secretary Oscar Escobedo.

The Tecate Score Baja 1000 off-road race is on track for next month, with 310 participants signed up so far, a number that pleases organizers. The 62nd annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race is on schedule for April.

Last month, about 5,500 participants, close to 70 percent from the United States, showed up at the Rosarito-to-Ensenada 50-mile Fun Ride, despite fears of low attendance. This month, Tijuana's hotel rooms filled up as 3,500 Mexican gynecologists and family members showed up for a convention.

“The best thing Baja can do to support tourism is to support these large events that are happening down here,” said Gary Foster, president of Bicycling West, whose San Diego-based company promotes the twice-yearly bike event.

Foster was considering ending his event when fewer than 5,000 showed up last April, but September's numbers were encouraging. He's now in negotiations with Baja California officials to keep it going.

Baja California state tourism figures show recent Rosarito Beach hotel occupancy rates hovering around 30 percent. But last week, Torres' hotel got a boost from 300 Southern California women who gathered for a six-day religious retreat. Next month, it's expecting a group of 60 people for a square-dancing event.

Baja California's tourism sector has been struggling with falling numbers since the September 2001 terrorist attacks, the result of more rigorous border inspections leading to longer wait times at the border. More recently, the U.S. economic downturn has further driven down the state's tourism income.

The recent violence is just the latest factor, and some tourism promoters and government officials complain bitterly of what they say is a U.S. media campaign against Baja California – though the violence has been regularly making headlines and leading newscasts in Mexico as well.

An updated travel advisory issued last week by the U.S. State Department is not very different from one issued last April. It recommends caution when traveling to Mexico, noting “an increasingly violent fight for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border.”

The advisory calls for “common-sense precautions, such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas, avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing may occur.”

The Gull - 10-21-2008 at 07:52 AM

Just the Union Trib dancing on the grave of the what they created through the sensationalized reporting that started a year ago.

Appears that they are celebrating their victory.

Can't help but think that the whole effort on the Union Trib's part was ethnically motivated.

tjBill - 10-21-2008 at 09:38 AM

Summer 1992 Los Angeles's tourism suffered a lot due to the Rodney King riots. Even though few tourists go to South Central L.A. :rolleyes:

makana.gabriel - 10-21-2008 at 10:09 AM

We were down in Ensenada last week for the night and was surprised to see no reductions in hotel prices. In fact, some prices seemed to have increased!

BajaGringo - 10-21-2008 at 10:12 AM

Baja prices do not react to market conditions like most places on this planet. They react quickly going up but are veeeeeeeeeerrrrrryyyyyy slow to go down.

I have scratched my head over that one myself lately.

Created?

Dave - 10-21-2008 at 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull
Just the Union Trib dancing on the grave of the what they created through the sensationalized reporting that started a year ago.

More like exploited. San Diego wants all the tourist/trade dollars.

Quote:

Can't help but think that the whole effort on the Union Trib's part was ethnically motivated.

Because Mexico is 99.999% Mexican? :lol:

The Tribune wouldn't behave differently if Mexico were 100% Martian. :rolleyes:

wilderone - 10-21-2008 at 11:23 AM

I found the above article unbiased and informative. If you recall, several people on this forum, contacted the UT several months ago and implored them to duly report the robbery and attack incidents that occurred in Baja norte (highway auto theft, gunpoint robbery, rape, etc.).
The FACT that "More than 140 people have been killed in Tijuana since Sept. 26 as drug gangs battle each other and government forces;" carries a red flag for most travelers. The cumulative risk, border wait and the known police corruption (which necessitated edicts regarding mordida and the firing of numerous policemen) diminish the appeal of a casual TJ visit of years past. I'd rather be informed and analyze facts for myself, than be subjected to the hyperbole contained in stories such as the one about Ensenada and the $35 million infrastructure improvements, which is half fantasy.

Woooosh - 10-21-2008 at 11:57 AM

I found it interesting that on the same UT page as this Dibble article (she seems to be the UT writer on Baja) - were two other stories about narco crime. I think the UT will continue to do the semi-positive stories (like this Dibble stroy) and just print them next to the narco stories and let people decide for themselves. Either that or they could just put a "current body count" box in the corner and say nothing more.

The Mexican press is covering all the murders (in much more gory detail) without them being accused of bias or racism.

Yes- the most recent crime wave is narco on narco, but that doesn't make it safe for gringos- just like it wasn't safe to just be eating a taco next to a targeted victim (last weeks Rosarito murders). If you're in the wrong place at the wrong time- it's isn't fun.

Square dancing and ladies church groups saving the Rosarito Beach economy? Now that's funny Snr. Torres! It's got to be hard to sell his condotel units these days- with restaurants and shops closing and prices going the worng way.

Maybe they could get Iggy to come out of hiding from his kidnappers this year and do some effective marketing towards Rosaritos target groups again. What could really help the local economy is price discounting and effective promotions- neither of which Mexicans do well- if at all.

Now that he peso is off 30% I'll bet they raise their prices instead of lower them and blame the peso.

I'll believe Rosartio is safe when the people who run the (formerly) successful businesses feel it's safe enough for them to return- no signs of that happening yet.

CaboRon - 10-21-2008 at 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
I found the above article unbiased and informative. If you recall, several people on this forum, contacted the UT several months ago and implored them to duly report the robbery and attack incidents that occurred in Baja norte (highway auto theft, gunpoint robbery, rape, etc.).
The FACT that "More than 140 people have been killed in Tijuana since Sept. 26 as drug gangs battle each other and government forces;" carries a red flag for most travelers. The cumulative risk, border wait and the known police corruption (which necessitated edicts regarding mordida and the firing of numerous policemen) diminish the appeal of a casual TJ visit of years past. I'd rather be informed and analyze facts for myself, than be subjected to the hyperbole contained in stories such as the one about Ensenada and the $35 million infrastructure improvements, which is half fantasy.

Crusoe - 10-21-2008 at 01:00 PM

Wilderone has hit the nail directly on the head.!!!++C++

CaboRon - 10-21-2008 at 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by makana.gabriel
We were down in Ensenada last week for the night and was surprised to see no reductions in hotel prices. In fact, some prices seemed to have increased!

That's because mexican businessmen :lol:

do not reduce rates when things are slow ..... they actually raise rates :lol:

gnukid - 10-21-2008 at 02:13 PM

I recall 1999 and 2000 in Baja were both amazing in the number of people out and about at the beach events and at clubs. When you compare that to now its like a plague has hit and Baja is a ghost town. But it isn't just tourists , its Mexicans and everyone, people do not go out or travel camping as much, because they can not afford to, its too dangerous to drive the trans-peninsular hiway and there is the unlikely threat of crime or worse being hassled by cops.

Its hard to believe that with so much development and profits there are less people out? Is everyone in their house?

tripledigitken - 10-21-2008 at 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
.............its too dangerous to drive the trans-peninsular hiway

Are you aware of any incidents that haven't been reported here, or is it the perception of it being dangerous? Seems like it has been very quiet with regards to incidents on Mex 1.

Ken

rdrrm8e - 10-21-2008 at 02:29 PM

Quote:

Winnah....winnah.....chicken dinnah! Exactly!

Woooosh - 10-21-2008 at 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
I recall 1999 and 2000 in Baja were both amazing in the number of people out and about at the beach events and at clubs. When you compare that to now its like a plague has hit and Baja is a ghost town. But it isn't just tourists , its Mexicans and everyone, people do not go out or travel camping as much, because they can not afford to, its too dangerous to drive the trans-peninsular hiway and there is the unlikely threat of crime or worse being hassled by cops.

Its hard to believe that with so much development and profits there are less people out? Is everyone in their house?

I can't speak for everyone in Rosarito- but I'm sticking closer to the house. Yes, it's out of security concerns. They haven't even hired policemen here since firing half the force months ago- let alone the current narco stuff. The locals aren't happy with the police and overall security- that's for sure.

We find ourselves ordering food for delivery or pick-up (Vincents, TJ Juniors, etc)- where before we would go in, sit down, hang out and drink a few. I walk my dogs at different times and even ride my bike to the ATM- anything to mix up my routine.

The locals are doing the same (without the take-out or delivery). No one feels good about going out. Mexican-on-mexican crimes are getting worse as the jobs are squeezed. With the holidays coming- things will be worse IMHO.

Nothing good is happening- it's not so much that people think bad things will happen- it's just that there's no life-spark to the place right now. I don't know how to explain the feeling- it's like walking around a ski resort the day ater the mountain closed.

gnukid - 10-21-2008 at 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
.............its too dangerous to drive the trans-peninsular hiway

Are you aware of any incidents that haven't been reported here, or is it the perception of it being dangerous? Seems like it has been very quiet with regards to incidents on Mex 1.

Ken

I meant fear of accidents due to trucking and drunk drivers.

Cypress - 10-21-2008 at 03:10 PM

We all go to Baja for many reasons, the weather, which is super. The people, they are wonderful. The fishing? The sport fishing has collapsed. You can subtract a high number of sport fisherman from the tourism equation. Fisherman talk, love to brag and cry in their cups. Baja hasn't been living up to their expectations. That segment of the tourist $ is moving on.

Woooosh - 10-21-2008 at 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
We all go to Baja for many reasons, the weather, which is super. The people, they are wonderful. The fishing? The sport fishing has collapsed. You can subtract a high number of sport fisherman from the tourism equation. Fisherman talk, love to brag and cry in their cups. Baja hasn't been living up to their expectations. That segment of the tourist $ is moving on.

Didn't the high diesel prices make sport fishing tough everywhere?

Skeet/Loreto - 10-21-2008 at 03:46 PM

It might just Might be that this newer Generation of Youngsters have been so trained to FEAR that they will not go back to Baja for sometime> Canadains Too??

I just completed a trip all the way to Villa Constitution going through Tecate, Ensenada and South> I did not see anything to concern me.

Now I will say that i would not go through at TJ or Otay. I have not been through there in a Number of years and Yes it is a dangerous place if you are not Aware of what is going on around You. Be Careful, Stay out of TJ.

Baja Tourism and Condo Sales are hurting even in Loreto. However at Constitution the Price of Corn is really helping that community!

Mulege, tho damaged will survive as the group of Americanos that live there get along well with their Mexicanos Neighbors. It will Survive.

Loreto will be alright, even for Loreto Bay Villeges, if they can keep out the Cabo Druggies, Phedophiles, Prostitutes{Better known as Chickas} and other low Life Scum.

fishbuck - 10-21-2008 at 03:49 PM

"avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing may occur.”

"What's the point of going then?..." Nightbuck.

I told him not to post this but he won't listen to me!!!

[Edited on 10-21-2008 by fishbuck]

fishbuck - 10-21-2008 at 03:55 PM

"Prostitutes{Better known as Chickas}"

"Hey Skeets, got an address or phone numbers?" Nightbuck

Skeet/Loreto - 10-21-2008 at 04:04 PM

Fishbuck:

All the "Chickas" in Loreto have been treated to this old Texas Gezzer and would not even give you a second Look. Money would not help at all.

Experience is the Thing!

Skeet

fishbuck - 10-21-2008 at 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
Fishbuck:

All the "Chickas" in Loreto have been treated to this old Texas Gezzer and would not even give you a second Look. Money would not help at all.

Experience is the Thing!

Skeet

All the "Chickas"!!!??? Ha,ha... Hey come on Skeets you can share can't ya. Besides when your down there in Texas the "Chickas" might get lonely and need some company. And Fishbuck adventures is always glad to provide service!!!

dao45 - 10-22-2008 at 01:46 AM

GEE I have an idea.Maybe the economy is worse than people imagine.Some people are having problems making mothly bills. Pay the bills?Go to Baja?
This is a world wide crisis.How a business in Baja tends to deal with it is another story.Lower prices?HMMMMMM If there isnt a profit why are you in business?
Hang in there it will turn around and be good in awhile LOL
FISHING? No problem its a given no one is going to give up there fishing.HHHMMMM Day boat from San Diego or Baja fishing trip.What is cost effective and what can I afford?
Interesting times we live in

fishbuck - 10-22-2008 at 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dao45
GEE I have an idea.Maybe the economy is worse than people imagine.Some people are having problems making mothly bills. Pay the bills?Go to Baja?
This is a world wide crisis.How a business in Baja tends to deal with it is another story.Lower prices?HMMMMMM If there isnt a profit why are you in business?
Hang in there it will turn around and be good in awhile LOL
FISHING? No problem its a given no one is going to give up there fishing.HHHMMMM Day boat from San Diego or Baja fishing trip.What is cost effective and what can I afford?
Interesting times we live in

I didn't check the fishcount from San Diego today. Are they still getting tuna?
They are still killing them in San Quintin. Dorado and Yellowtail too!
It costs about the same from San Diego or SQ for fishing. About $175-225 per angler. The difference is the drive and hotel.
But you are fishing in almost the same place because the SD boat cruises down to around Colonet while you are sleeping in your bunk. And you are fishing from a 65-90 foot boat 50 miles out in the ocean.

But Baja is still funner!

wilderone - 10-22-2008 at 08:41 AM

I agree Baja is funner for fishing - but with all the extra costs - Mexican car insurance, gas, hotel, meals - it makes a lot of sense to fish with the San Diego fleet. Last week of August, I went on an overnight private charter (18 people - on a huge boat - with kitchen, cook, heads, bunks, movie screen - you know), and it cost $200. We limited on albacore - about 125 total, and caught a few small dorado too - fished about 8 hours. Was a lot of fun.
I spent $70 for my share of a 3-person panga for 1/2 day, off Los Barriles in Sept., got some dead bait, no head, baked in the sun, caught a deranged baby shark, 2 needlefish, 2 bonito, 1 dorado, lost a dorado due to inefficient gaffing. Was a lot of fun too - but totally different fishing experiences.

Cypress - 10-22-2008 at 02:02 PM

Expect it's easier to connect with a "Chika" than a good fish in the Sea of Cortez. Sad!

Osprey - 10-22-2008 at 02:36 PM

Hey Cypress, you're in the wrong forum. Click on WWW PLACES I USED TO GO THAT I LOVED BUT WHERE I DON'T GO NOW CAUSE I HATE IT AND I WANT TO b-tch ABOUT IT TO EVERYBODY, EVERY DAY. DOT COM.

Cypress - 10-22-2008 at 03:03 PM

Osprey, Thanks! I'll get right on it!

Yea! I'm still peeed about the Sea of Cortez fishing , cost me only about $10K. I got off light, didn't buy into any beachfront property, boats,etc. I'm almost over it. Just trying to advise any other poor souls that the fishing in the Sea of Cortez isn't all it's cracked-up to be.

Enjoy your stories.

Cypress - 10-22-2008 at 04:41 PM

Wooosh, Yea it costs more to make a long run, but it's worth it if you catch fish.

If you don't catch fish, it was just a long, expensive ride.

No pictures, no fish, no stories. Water hauls aren't fun.