When Juan Tintos returned in 2010 to his old post as Baja California’s tourism secretary following a nine-year hiatus, he faced a daunting challenge:
reviving the state’s ailing tourism industry, stricken by persistent fears related to drug wars and crime.
Today, Tintos is bullish about Baja California’s prospects for much more robust tourism, fueled in part by growth in spending among tourists living in
Mexico, as well as Hispanics north of the border. Although tourism spending and visitors have dropped considerably from early in the last decade,
those numbers are starting to climb back from the depths of 2009, Tintos hastens to point out.
For starters, his office sought out a public relations agency to help the state channel the mindset of American tourists. In addition, an “image
committee” of expatriates was convened to zero in on redefining the public’s perception of Baja.
In San Diego recently, Tintos spoke about his strategy for energizing tourism on a number of fronts that he hopes will convince Americans once again
that Baja California is a compelling place to visit.
Question: In the wake of a difficult decade for tourism in Baja California, what specific initiatives have you taken to induce more people to cross
the border for getaways and vacations?
Answer: We did a perception survey last March in eight Southern California destinations. They had heard about good things happening but still had some
reservations about coming. There’s still a need to provide accurate information (and clear up) misinformation. This is my 18th trip to California,
Arizona and Nevada. Besides the Anglo and growing Hispanic market, we’re focusing on our domestic market.
Before this whole situation, I would say tourism expenditures in Baja were about two-thirds Americans or foreigners. That fell to one-third at its
worst. So now we’re at 60 percent from the national market (within Mexico), but we’re not out of the woods yet.
Q: Rather rely strictly on the tourist traffic of the past — Americans heading to Baja California beaches — what new niches are you exploring to boost
tourism revenue?
A: You have the largest concentration of maquiladora plants, and that generates business tourists who come and stay two, three nights. We’ve also
grown in medical tourism. We have 450,000 people, mostly from California, mostly Hispanics, who come to Baja for dentistry, eye care, cosmetic
surgery, and that generate $86 million a year. We have a calendar of over 300 events, and more than half are sports like the Rosarito-to-Ensenada bike
ride.
Q: How important has the region’s culinary boom and maturing of its wine region, Valle de Guadalupe, been in boosting visits from San Diegans?
A: This year we doubled the number of events in the wine region. We’ve had 4,000 to 6,000 people at concerts. Instead of the Bullring by the Sea,
people prefer to be in that area surrounding by beautiful scenery. Another thing that has helped is the famous Baja Med cuisine. We just had the baja
culinary festival in October where we had 29 events in five days and chefs from the U.S., Europe and South America. And the federal government is
going to launch 10 tourist routes, and the wine region will be one of them.
Q: San Diego’s cruise ship industry has suffered a huge setback as more and more ships have pulled out of Southern California that were formerly going
to the Mexican Riviera. The lines said they did so because of the crime issue and lack of diversity of ports. What is Baja California doing to entice
the cruise lines to return?
A: Yes, the verdict was that the Mexican Riviera was tired and needed to be rejuvenated. We did a study that told us you have to have more attractions
and better presentation of your destination, train your taxi drivers, look for more genuine arts and crafts.
We eliminated the tugboat fee (that was assessed) whether you used it or not. We’re putting in a new sewer treatment plant at La Bufadora. We’ve got
the Chamber of Commerce and association of merchants to make sure that only authentic merchandise is sold. We don’t want tourists to go back
unsatisfied. We used to have 325 cruise ship arrivals a year. We reduced half of that, and we’re working slowly on increasing that. There’s an
expression in Mexico: You don’t know what you’ve had until you lose it.”
[Edited on 1-13-2012 by MexicoTed]sancho - 1-9-2012 at 02:25 PM
I live 70 mi. no. of San Ysidro, in my group of
aquaintances, a full 95% of them will not drive
into Mex anymore , these are folks who up until 4 yrs. ago
would rent Rosarito condos, do the Bike Ride,
tourists who spent $. They will however fly down for the
Mex Resort Vacation. I walked across at TJ a couple weeks back, pedestrian line1 hr.coming back, I saw 5-6 Gringo type tourists
in line. Yrs. back, it was difficult to walk on Revolution
Ave., due to the # of US Tourists. Baja/Mex has a long
way to come back, we all know the factors involvedWoooosh - 1-9-2012 at 02:35 PM
The thing he ignores is the dark cloud that still hangs over the USA and world economy. One thing Baja could do is become a value again. If the
lobster dinners at Ortegas Rosarito and Ortegas San Diego are the same, at the same price- why bother with the border hassle and crime? As many of us
have opined- Mexicans seem to raise prices when business is slow (to make up the difference in lost sales?). What's up with that? Then we have the
problem with confusing and mal-communicated laws about Visas and such from the Gov't itself.
btw: I really don't think a free tugboat, training taxi drivers better and making sure authentic s are being sold at ports of call will convince the
cruise companies to come back to the Mexican Riviera any time soon. That wasn't really the problem there was it?
[Edited on 1-9-2012 by Woooosh]gnukid - 1-9-2012 at 02:49 PM
Right now the federal police are harassing gringo cars at the CSL airport, making up stuff such as these papers do not match the car even though the
papers are correct. They are doing this right at the drop off and pick up and making complete fools of themselves intimidating all the nice and honest
people who are arriving and leaving.
The feds at the airport are doing more to hurt Tourism than anything I have seen in all my time here. Each person affected by this nonsense of making
up lies to intimidate people and waste time is a very poor example for Mexico, even while so many other areas of Mexico are improving with reduced
corruption.
This is very bad, if you encounter them as you coming or going, do your best to stay cool, identify them, take their photo and gather details to
report.BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 1-9-2012 at 03:02 PM
it's great that the tourism secretary is trying to get more people to visit baja.
however, different departments seem to differ in their approach.
the one i am concerned about is the fish and game ( pesca ) has created a problem with fisherpersons going into and fishing in mexican waters ( within
24 miles of land) with their new FMM regulation which has also caused quite a bit of confusion.
fishing is a major tourist industry in mexico as well as the sportfishing landings in california losing business due to the new regulation and their
customers not wanting to pay the extra fee for an FMM for a 3/4 day or longer fishing trip into mexican waters.
another major effect will be visitors flying into and driving into mexico on vacations which include fishing. i am sure the additional costs of
needing a land FMM and also an FMM just for fishing will deter fishing vacations as well as family vacations that may include fishing.
we'll see what happens as the state department is getting involved and is having a meeting with mexican officials as the new on the water fmm may
violate the nafta guidelines.
just my dos centavos.
BIEN SALUD, DA RATbajabass - 1-9-2012 at 03:12 PM
I hope this is not just lip service and spin! Baja needs to spend big dollars on self-promotion. Educate Mr. and Mrs. Tourist as to the sharp
reduction of violent crime. Not overly gloss the picture, but display reality, and the beauty of Baja. They have a tough row to hoe, and they better
get started now!
Ease of access for cruise ships to La Paz and Loreto should be addressed immediately! There have been a few ships into La Paz in the past couple
months, and the town was hoppin'! Also, more airline flights to Loreto could really help I believe.
This latest move of requiring FMMs for long range sportfishing boats is coming at the worst time possible if they want those potential tourists to
consider a land based trip to Baja. Make it easy, make it safe!DENNIS - 1-9-2012 at 04:45 PM
"It's the border crossing, stooopid."
That is the most notable hinderance to a thriving tourism economy in the border region. For most who have only a couple of days off per week, it just
isn't worth it to spend a big chunk of that time sitting in traffic.
Prices and Attitudes
MrBillM - 1-9-2012 at 05:18 PM
Business Bad. Raise Prices.
Has seemingly always been the rule.
Added to by a (too-often) employee "WHY are you here bothering me ?" attitude.
It was no surprise to read, years ago, an article on the Home Depot expansion into Baja wherein they noted that the BIGGEST challenge had been
training Mexican employees to provide the expected Home Depot level of Customer Service.
Yeah, I believe that.
Loreto Cruise passengers
Mula - 1-9-2012 at 06:38 PM
- say a lot of the downtown businesses - don't spend any money and they are tired or getting all geared up for the possibility of business - so are
not doing a thing to entice customers in to their establishments. . . . the TV's are still going and no smiles or thanks for coming in, etc.
Loreto is a glum place to spend any money in.BornFisher - 1-9-2012 at 07:19 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by BAJA.DESERT.RAT
it's great that the tourism secretary is trying to get more people to visit baja.
however, different departments seem to differ in their approach.
the one i am concerned about is the fish and game ( pesca ) has created a problem with fisherpersons going into and fishing in mexican waters ( within
24 miles of land) with their new FMM regulation which has also caused quite a bit of confusion.
fishing is a major tourist industry in mexico as well as the sportfishing landings in california losing business due to the new regulation and their
customers not wanting to pay the extra fee for an FMM for a 3/4 day or longer fishing trip into mexican waters.
another major effect will be visitors flying into and driving into mexico on vacations which include fishing. i am sure the additional costs of
needing a land FMM and also an FMM just for fishing will deter fishing vacations as well as family vacations that may include fishing.
we'll see what happens as the state department is getting involved and is having a meeting with mexican officials as the new on the water fmm may
violate the nafta guidelines.
just my dos centavos.
BIEN SALUD, DA RAT
Rat-- I think this is an immigration issue but whatever it does hurt. Going to pee a lot of people off so much they won`t even go down there by car.
It`s going to take many adjustments to have something doable, and in the meantime the it`s mass confusion. I heard one of the San Diego boats was
turned around at the Coranados for no "Boat Permit" although all passengers had the new visas.
BORNFISHER
captkw - 1-9-2012 at 07:23 PM
AND I THOUGHT,,mass confusion was,,,Father's day in oakland ca. I think I better Duck,,,,K&TMexicoTed - 1-11-2012 at 07:30 PM
Great points all, but let me clarify one thing. This is the Secretary of Tourism for Baja California not Baja California Sur where Loreto, La Paz and
Los Cabos are.Bajahowodd - 1-12-2012 at 05:26 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
Right now the federal police are harassing gringo cars at the CSL airport, making up stuff such as these papers do not match the car even though the
papers are correct. They are doing this right at the drop off and pick up and making complete fools of themselves intimidating all the nice and honest
people who are arriving and leaving.
The feds at the airport are doing more to hurt Tourism than anything I have seen in all my time here. Each person affected by this nonsense of making
up lies to intimidate people and waste time is a very poor example for Mexico, even while so many other areas of Mexico are improving with reduced
corruption.
This is very bad, if you encounter them as you coming or going, do your best to stay cool, identify them, take their photo and gather details to
report.
Do you have any backup for what you are saying? Just wondering.
Since virtually anyone driving out of the airport has already been through customs, and since the Federal Police are supposedly the good guys, it
doesn't make sense.
That said, to add insult to injury, the Disney Cruise folks have canceled all their late year Mexican cruises, with no reason stated.BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 1-12-2012 at 06:36 PM
Hola Bajahowodd,
i have been stopped by the feds while exiting the san jose airport after picking up my son. they were pulling all the cars exiting and for me,
checking my drivers license and registration and walking to the back of my car to confirm the license plate matched the registration. other friends in
los barriles also stated the same.
MexicoTed,
" This is the Secretary of Tourism for Baja California not Baja California Sur where Loreto, La Paz and Los Cabos are. "
i beg to differ with you as the big three sportfishing landings in san diego are issuing the new fmm's for the sportfishers fishing in waters below
guerrero negro as well, the division between norte and sur. baja sur is included in the new regulation.
there was no clarifications as to where in mexican waters the new regulation will affect. as usual, new regulations in mexico always seem to require
clarification.
it did note loosely, all mexican waters within 24 miles of mexican soil.
it has been posted on bloodydecks.com that the state department is getting involved.
until this issue is totally clarified, there is no need to continue discussion.
PERHAPS I SHOULDN'T HAVE BROUGHT IT UP ?
BIEN SALUD, DA RAT
airport
captkw - 1-13-2012 at 07:57 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
Right now the federal police are harassing gringo cars at the CSL airport, making up stuff such as these papers do not match the car even though the
papers are correct. They are doing this right at the drop off and pick up and making complete fools of themselves intimidating all the nice and honest
people who are arriving and leaving.
The feds at the airport are doing more to hurt Tourism than anything I have seen in all my time here. Each person affected by this nonsense of making
up lies to intimidate people and waste time is a very poor example for Mexico, even while so many other areas of Mexico are improving with reduced
corruption.
This is very bad, if you encounter them as you coming or going, do your best to stay cool, identify them, take their photo and gather details to
report.
[Edited on 1-13-2012 by captkw]
gnukid and airport
captkw - 1-13-2012 at 08:01 AM
still, learning how to post,, LOL,anyway I saw the feds,last year doing what you claim,,and do not see,how ,that is helping bring back tourist's !!gnukid - 1-13-2012 at 08:26 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by captkw
still, learning how to post,, LOL,anyway I saw the feds,last year doing what you claim,,and do not see,how ,that is helping bring back tourist's !!
There are many visitors coming and going now so there are many caravans going to the airport and back for holidays and events here, the federal police
are stopping cars as they pull in or out to drop off people at the airport, pulling up behind cars parked at the curb, for no apparent reason, then,
they start in on "your placa is wrong, and your license is expired" even though the license and place is fine. Or "you have been drinking even when
there is no one drinking and it's early in the morning and there is no sign of any alcohol in the car etc... it's all nonsense. They continue for as
long as you are willing to discuss it making it clear the purpose is to bug you and wait for a payment. Some of my friends have freaked and paid them
whatever was in their pocket.
While this is happening every person arriving and leaving is watching what is happening. A long conversation with a nice group of polite yet
astonished travelers attempting to show that the dates and vin match, while the police are laughing and threatening to get a reaction.
I am writing about this here for two reasons, to encourage people to stay cool and calm and not engage idiocy or in fear with these actions. And
second to let people know this is a problem for Baja.
This is policy to do or in fact are being directed to question and harass foreign people. My guess is this much like what TSAs do and other police
check points, they are idiots simply bothering people with no cause, suspicion or action in order to push the limits of what's expected or allowed.
Some friends have been pulled over going in and out by the same cops!
I doubt that this will go away or stop though your calm and quiet response will help to reduce the threat and intimidation by these rogue immoral
feds.
gnukid
captkw - 1-13-2012 at 08:41 AM
great post and you are correct,,I saw that,, every time I went to the airport last year,,4 or 5 times maybe,,somewhere ,is a agency for tourist,in
mexico that has a help line and they were helpful to me when I was stuck at the guatamala/mex border a few year's back,,due to a corrupt adunia's
agent...but,ya know how that can go...K&TCaboRon - 1-14-2012 at 07:18 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
Right now the federal police are harassing gringo cars at the CSL airport, making up stuff such as these papers do not match the car even though the
papers are correct. They are doing this right at the drop off and pick up and making complete fools of themselves intimidating all the nice and honest
people who are arriving and leaving.
The feds at the airport are doing more to hurt Tourism than anything I have seen in all my time here. Each person affected by this nonsense of making
up lies to intimidate people and waste time is a very poor example for Mexico, even while so many other areas of Mexico are improving with reduced
corruption.
This is very bad, if you encounter them as you coming or going, do your best to stay cool, identify them, take their photo and gather details to
report.
And don't forget the harassment in the only way out of the airport by relentless time share salesmen.CaboRon - 1-14-2012 at 07:22 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Mula
- say a lot of the downtown businesses - don't spend any money and they are tired or getting all geared up for the possibility of business - so are
not doing a thing to entice customers in to their establishments. . . . the TV's are still going and no smiles or thanks for coming in, etc.
Loreto is a glum place to spend any money in.
I have actually had to wait on the casher who couldn'd tear themselves away from the tele. And the endless novellas playing in the restaurants ...
