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Boating Tourism Jump Predicted in Baja California

By Capt. Pat Rains | The Log
Wednesday, June 01, 2011 12:01:00 PM

Boating Tourism Up, Report Says -- Economic growth of 5.8 percent was reported in Baja California Sur’s boating areas, including Los Cabos, according to reports from Bancomer and SECTUR -- with investments in marinas and revenue from golf courses all on the upswing. Dockmaster Capt. Jim Elfers is pictured here at Marina Puerto Los Cabos, one of the region’s newer marinas.

Bancomer, the country’s leading bank, reported an economic growth rate of 5.8 percent for both Baja California Sur (Los Cabos, La Paz) and Quintana Roo (Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morales). All locations specified by Bancomer’s study have existing marinas and more in construction.

In another study, Mexico’s federal Secretary of Tourism (SECTUR) reported that private investments during the first quarter of 2011 totaled $902 million, which is 127 percent higher than the same period the previous year. Projects include accommodations such as hotels and marinas, plus tourism infrastructure.

Gloria Guevara Manzo, head of SECTUR, said Mexico is maintaining a rapid recovery, thanks in part to its tourist attractions, and it is one of the most visited countries worldwide. Spain is building marinas on both coasts of Mexico, and other European countries are following suit.

“British are interested in investing in areas of tourism,” said British Trade Deputy Attaché Adriana Lopez in the MBW, “especially with regard to marinas and ports,” and health tourism.

Golf, anyone?

The final report from Turismo revealed that golfers brought $2 billion into Mexico last year, as green links are sprouting alongside marinas. “Golf is a growing sport and an attraction for national and international tourism, which last year accounted for 25.175 billion pesos,” said the report posted in MBW. That translates to more than $2 billion in U.S. funds.

Mexico has 168 golf courses and holds 12 championship golf tournaments each year, with 90 percent of the visiting duffers hailing from the U.S.





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