Acapulco is basking in international glory for the fourth consecutive year as it proudly hosts the Gran Final del Tour Alrededor del Mundo 2024 de Salto de Base, a thrilling event boosting local tourism and attracting extreme sports enthusiasts from across the globe.
This year, the competition features 13 finalists from Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Mexico, showcasing the sport of base jumping—a high-octane activity where participants leap from fixed objects and use parachutes to break their fall. The event is made possible by local leadership, especially from Mayor Dr. Abelina López Rodríguez, who, along with Mtro. Noé Peralta Herrera, the Secretary of Tourism, and Lic. Gerardo Ochoa Amoros, Director of Fomento a la inversión, have worked tirelessly to put Acapulco on the extreme sports map.
"El gobierno Municipal, la maestra Abelina ha tenido la gentileza de recibirnos y arroparnos y apoyar este evento desde el principio de su gestión, le damos las gracias a ella," said Johnny Saavedra, the event organizer. This sentiment reflects the collaborative spirit driving the event, which does not incur any direct costs to municipal resources, maximizing the benefits for local tourism.
This year's event is significant not just for the athletes but also for the promotional impact it creates. The videos showcasing the stunning views of Acapulco’s bay during the competition have the potential to reach worldwide audiences, generating interest and attracting visitors to the region. Secretary Peralta Herrera emphasized this impact, stating, "No tiene costo para el erario municipal y resaltó su importancia no solo por la participación de entre 15 y 20 atletas de diversas nacionalidades, sino también por la promoción turística que generan sus videos."">
Ensuring the safety of everyone involved is critically important at such high-risk events. Alejandro Inzunza Ramírez, the director of the Center for Tourist Attention and Protection of Acapulco (CAPTA), confirmed the thorough security measures put in place, which included the deployment of lifeguards, paramedics, and coordination with the Secretary of Public Security, the National Guard, and the Navy. "Tenemos todas las medidas pertinentes para que esto salga bien. Queremos invitar a la gente que venga, que venga a este bonito evento el viernes y el sábado," he encouraged, inviting tourists to witness the electrifying competition.
The event is held from the rooftop of the iconic La Palapa condominium, allowing the participants to take the plunge from impressive heights, experiencing four exhilarating seconds of free fall before deploying their parachutes. For families like Mick's, who has traveled from abroad with his wife and two daughters, the event is as much about the thrill of the sport as it is about the warm welcome they received. He expressed satisfaction with the hospitality, commenting, "Gracias por la calidez de la recepción, así como por el clima agradable y la comida," encapsulating the allure of visiting Acapulco.
This annual international competition significantly impacts the local economy, fostering community engagement and resilience, especially after the severe weather challenges posed by hurricanes Otis and John. The support from the local government and the community continues to be pivotal, providing hope and encouragement to those affected.
The Gran Final del Tour Alrededor del Mundo 2024 de Salto de Base not only highlights Acapulco as a premier destination for extreme sports but also strengthens its identity as a welcoming and vibrant tourist city. Events like this will surely continue to play a key role in revitalizing Acapulco's tourism sector, drawing visitors eager for both adventure and the beauty of its scenic coastlines.
