Los Cabos looks forward to the return of tourists

IAN STALKER

Los Cabos Tourism officials want to make it clear that their decision to roll up the welcome mat was only a temporary measure that was done with the best interests of everyone — including vacationers — in mind.

The Baja California destination has suspended all tourism activity to comply with government guidelines on social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. Authorities also decided non-essential businesses should close. The closure included hotels, restaurants, spas, casinos and beaches.

The closures will run through May, with officials now looking at a slow tourism return in June.

The Los Cabos Tourism Board is recommending tourists slated to visit the seaside destination in May postpone their trip.

“We believe if we all work hard to buckle down and stay home, Los Cabos will be ready to welcome you very soon,” says tourism board director Rodrigo Esponda. “We will continue to monitor the situation and communicate guidance offered by Mexican authorities.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of both people in Los Cabos and our feeder markets. We are focused on keeping the destination safe so when the time is right we will be able to come together and resume our normal tourism activities.”

It’s not yet known whether those involved in the tourist trade in the tourism-dependent destination will be offering incentives to attract visitors once tourism resumes in a major way. Esponda says that would be up to individual stakeholders but “having good promotions in place never hurts.”

The coronavirus pandemic surfaced during what was proving to be a strong season tourism-wise for Los Cabos, which among other things was enjoying double-digit growth from Canada. Esponda adds that his destination was one of only a few in Mexico that saw tourism growth last year.

Los Cabos once was quickly associated with golf but has broadened its tourism offerings.Tourism authorities point to the likes of sunny weather, landscapes that include often dramatic desert, modern resorts, Pacific Ocean that offers watersports and traditional Mexican architecture when promoting their part of Mexico.

Los Cabos has a large following in this country, leaving Esponda confident that we’ll return to his destination in large numbers once international travel is deemed safe.

“I believe that Canadians, like the rest of the world, will be eager to travel again. It’s in their DNA” he says.

“Los Cabos will be waiting with open arms. Canadians are great travellers and we love to have Canadians visit us.”

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