One very common expression refers to the historic prolific quality of Mexican women: with many births, grandmother would say that even when we think there are too many, there is always room for more.
We were already in economic crisis and then we caught the swine flu. And this flu more than infecting just the economy, it has all but killed the tourism sector. Although public activities have gradually returned to normal, tourism has been severely affected by the cancellation of vacations and the economic crisis resulting from the compulsory closure of many businesses throughout the country during the days of the high health alert.
Hotel occupancy in Puerto Vallarta has hit the lowest levels in the city's history with some hotels operating with a 10 percent occupancy, or less, and others temporarily closed as is the case with one of the Riu Hotels in Nuevo Vallarta.
The local business sector losses, estimated at more than 500 million pesos, has forced companies to undergo certain technical stoppages or, ultimately, staff layoffs and temporary or permanent closure. As a result, state and municipal authorities recently met with local business representatives in the city, for three days, to establish a contingency plan that might help to the rescue the overwhelmed city economy.
The emerging plan is divided into 3 main actions. First, consult with public relations firms in the city to timely and accurately report the level of tourist activity in Puerto Vallarta.
Secondly, to contact both national, and especially international, media, to convey the fact that this region was not affected by swine flu.
And thirdly, to design a promotional campaign, supported by emerging or already prominent public Jalisco figures, Alejandro Fernandez, Mana, and Pro Golfer Lorena Ochoa, to invite tourists to travel to this state in general and Puerto Vallarta.
To initiate these actions, the participants have pledged to contribute to a fund of some 300 thousand dollars, with equal contributions of 100 thousand dollars from each of the county, state and private business representatives.
Competing with this current emergency health crises in Mexico is the challenge of deepening the economic crisis and its impact on tourism. The challenges are equal: it is now time for workers, employers, and the authorities to all pitch in and do whatever is needed to maintain and restore the standard of living that we are all entitled to enjoy.
|
