Acapulco, Guerrero, is embracing the holiday spirit as it kicks off the December vacation season, determined to welcome national and international tourists.
This year's festivities come on the heels of challenges posed by Hurricane Otis, which left significant impacts on the tourism industry. Despite these setbacks, local authorities are optimistic about revitalizing the port as the ultimate winter getaway.
This weekend, the Triatlón event launched at Playa Majahua, situated within Acapulco's glamorous Diamond Zone. Featuring around 1,400 athletes from 20 states across Mexico, the triathlon symbolizes resilience and community spirit. With cultural highlights like live performances from the iconic rock band El Tri and other artists, the atmosphere buzzes with excitement.
"The importance of the events for positioning Acapulco as the main tourist destination this winter cannot be overstated," remarked Simón Quiñones Orozco, the State Secretary of Tourism, at the event's inauguration.
Adding to the festive vibe, Acapulco is also home to the second annual Beach Soccer Cup, which sees teams from around the globe — including players from the United States, Spain, Colombia, and Puerto Rico — go head-to-head, showcasing local talent alongside international prowess. The event heightens competition and sports tourism, making it another pillar of Acapulco's December lineup.
A significant victory was recorded during the Beach Soccer Cup, where players under coach Christian Méndez triumphed against the Mexican selection. The victory sets the stage for intense competition as they vie for the title against Colombia, who currently leads the tournament.
Hotel occupancy data echo the city's revitalization efforts, having reached 70.2% occupancy, signaling renewed interest. The area has 11,999 hotel rooms now operational following rigorous rehabilitation efforts post-hurricane. Other popular tourist locations, such as Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo, and Taxco, reported higher occupancy rates of 82.4%, 59.9%, and 68.5%, respectively, showcasing the overall positive recovery trend across the Guerrero region.
The anticipation builds for additional cultural events, including performances by El Tri on Sunday, December 15, and renowned singer Gloria Trevi set to take the stage on December 29. These concerts are sure to attract larger crowds, embellishing Acapulco's reputation as not just a beach resort, but also as a cultural hub during the holiday season.
Mayor Abelina López Rodríguez is optimistic, estimating hotel occupancy will ascend to approximately 80%, indicating strong faith in the region's recovery and tourism appeal.
She emphasized, "We expect to see numbers rise, especially with the influx of tourists attending our events and enjoying the beauty of our beaches as we celebrate this much-loved season."
With all these attractions and activities, Acapulco hopes to reclaim its status as Mexico's premier tourist destination during the holidays, fostering economic recovery through the unyielding spirit of its people and the magic of its cultural and sporting events.
Even as the memory of Hurricane Otis lingers, the community’s determination shines through, and Acapulco prepares for what promises to be one of its busiest seasons yet.
