Background on Acapulco and its Tourism Significance
Acapulco, a renowned Mexican tourist destination since the 1940s, has traditionally been a beach and sun-focused getaway. The city attracted six million tourists in 2023, largely due to its dynamic tourism industry. However, recent natural disasters have prompted the need for comprehensive measures to ensure its long-term viability.
Project Overview and Objectives
The Federal Tourism Secretariat (SECTUR) is currently in the process of contracting a company to determine the carrying capacity for 21 beaches in Acapulco. This initiative aims to analyze the relevance of implementing measures that will benefit the proper use and conservation of these beaches. The project aligns with “Acapulco se transforma contigo,” a program led by President Claudia Sheinbaum to aid in the reconstruction of the iconic port following Hurricanes Otis (2023) and John (2024).
Key Aspects of the Project
- Determining carrying capacity for turistic, environmental, social, and economic impact assessment
- Collecting quantifiable and georeferenced data for informed decision-making regarding conservation, utilization, and sustainable tourism development
- Considering climate change effects, turistic activity in Acapulco beaches (tourist arrivals, economic spillover, tourism establishments, certified businesses, beach activities), and socio-economic conditions of the destination
- Adhering to national and international standards for carrying capacity determination, along with spatial characterization of all activities currently taking place on each Acapulco beach
Beaches Involved in the Project
The beaches included in this project are Caleta, Caletilla, La Roqueta, Hornos, Papagayo, Condesa, El Morro, Copacabana, Icacos, Puerto Marqués, Revolcadero, Manzanillo, and Pie de la Cuesta. These beaches are highly popular among domestic tourists.
Contracting Process and Budget
SECTUR is inviting bids for this project, with a budget of 760,000 pesos allocated for the remaining part of the year. The selected company will be responsible for providing the necessary services, ensuring confidentiality to avoid influencing desired outcomes.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of this project? The main goal is to determine the carrying capacity for Acapulco’s 21 beaches and analyze the relevance of implementing measures to ensure their proper use and conservation.
- Which beaches are part of this project? Caleta, Caletilla, La Roqueta, Hornos, Papagayo, Condesa, El Morro, Copacabana, Icacos, Puerto Marqués, Revolcadero, Manzanillo, and Pie de la Cuesta are the beaches involved.
- What factors will the selected company consider? The company will take into account climate change effects, turistic activity in Acapulco beaches, and socio-economic conditions of the destination while adhering to national and international standards.
- What is the budget for this project? The allocated budget is 760,000 pesos for the remaining part of the year.
