*Updated Apr. 15 - Progreso violence*
Mérida, Yucatán -
The Mexican Hotel Association (MHA) reported that Yucatán occupancy rates dropped 4.24% in the first 90 days of 2013, compared with the same period in 2012.
The numbers delivered by the trade group were anemic in the extreme. MHA said that average occupancy in establishments of all grades, from one star to five, was 46.38% during the first quarter of the year.
Industry professionals say most hostelries cannot turn a profit without at least 50% occupancy. In 2008, before the worldwide economic downturn, the peninsula enjoyed an average occupancy of 62%. Last fall, in anticipation of Mundo Maya "end of the world" activities, the rate was about 56-57%, according to the Yucatán Tourism Council. Overall the state reported a modest 4.5% increase in tourist traffic through the third quarter of 2012. Yucatán tourism languishes.
In January average occupancy was 42.53%, and in February it bottomed out at 41.8%. Traffic slightly rebounded in March to 54.82%, due to spring break arrivals. Most of that business is now over for the 2013 season.
MHA president Ricardo Dájer Nahum complained that neither the city nor the state are doing enough to promote tourism. "There aren't enough events and activities generating interest in Mérida. Tourism promotion is more than just saying, 'We're here, come visit us.' It's about products, festivals, special attractions - anything which will encourage travelers to visit the state. It's a continuing challenge for both the government and the business sector," he said.
Lagging tourism in Mexico's arguably most secure state (Yucatán safety continues to be subject of hot debate) could be a matter of simple economics, drug war concerns or both. Once packed Pacific coast tourist destinations are suffering similar symptoms (Puerto Vallarta: tensions linger after brazen narco attack).
The peso's rise against the American dollar won't help matters any, since it makes Mexican tourism less attractive to travel bargain hunters. U.S. dollar continues downhill slide against Mexican peso.
Apr. 15 - Nineteen members of a gang in Progreso have been taken into custody after stabbing and nearly killing a 23 year old woman who was on her way home from the local Pemax office where she is employed. The accused participants include 11 juveniles and eight adults who demanded money from the victim. She gave them 500 pesos - all she had - but they weren't satisfied. The assailants may be charged with attempted murder.
Mexican drug war experts have noted in recent months that cartel violence is rapidly morphing into more localized gang violence, often involving street crime and common offenses where anyone is at risk. Puerto Progreso is Mérida's Gulf access, less than 20 miles from the heart of the city. The town is a popular port of call for major cruise lines.
Apr. 15 - Mérida police busted a "clandestine gay bar" early yesterday, arresting no less than 54 persons at the scene, all of whose names were published in today's Sipse.com story. "Semi-nude men were interacting with bar clientele who were drinking when we arrived," said the incident report. That's one gay drinking establishment which will see a permanent drop in revenues. It had no license.
Apr. 17 - Highwaymen assault ADO bus on Yucatán peninsula
Apr. 23 - House of Deputies proposes dramatic change in rules for foreign ownership of real estate
June 6 - Mexican tourism posts strong four month recovery
Mar. 7 - U.S. security consultant Stratfor urges tourist caution throughout Mexico
Feb. 25 - Yucatán capital, $32 million in the hole, looks for way out
July 17, 2011 - Shakira – a $21 million peso ticket, but so little to show for it
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