Background on Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and His Relevance
Rubén Rocha Moya, the current governor of Sinaloa, Mexico, has announced an ambitious project to transform Mazatlán into a Home Port for cruise ships. This initiative aims to boost tourism and economic growth in the region by attracting more cruise passengers and enabling them to spend more time exploring Mazatlán.
Project Details and Investment
The project, registered with the National Tourism Fund (FONATUR), involves a significant investment of between 400 and 450 million pesos to remodel and enhance the existing naval terminal. The upgrades will include the installation of a cruise ship access point, transforming Mazatlán from merely a cruise itinerary stop into a boarding point for these vessels.
Current Situation and Project Objectives
Currently, Mazatlán only serves as a cruise itinerary stop without being a boarding point. The proposed Home Port project will change this by remodeling the current terminal, adding souvenir shops, and creating recreational areas. This will allow cruise passengers to purchase tickets for boarding and spend more time in Mazatlán, contributing to increased tourism and local economic growth.
Supporting Officials and Their Roles
Joaquín Landeros Guicho, the Secretary of Administration and Finance, explained that the project’s conceptual design has been submitted to the federal Tourism Secretariat. Meanwhile, Ricardo Velarde Cárdenas, the Secretary of Economy, emphasized that Mexico currently lacks a Home Port concept. Installing the first one in Mazatlán will add another attractive feature for tourists, enabling foreign visitors to enjoy extended stays in the port.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is a Home Port? A Home Port is a port where cruise ships embark and disembark passengers, allowing them to spend more time in the destination city without having to transfer to another port during their journey.
- Why is this project important for Mazatlán? This project will attract more cruise passengers, boosting tourism and providing economic benefits to local businesses. It will also establish Mazatlán as a more attractive destination for travelers from the United States and Canada, who might otherwise choose Miami as their cruise departure point.
- What are the project’s estimated costs? The project is expected to require an investment of between 400 and 450 million pesos for the remodeling and enhancement of Mazatlán’s naval terminal.
- What additional benefits will this project bring to Mazatlán? The Home Port concept will create more tourism-related activities, generate employment opportunities, and promote Mazatlán as a premier tourist destination.
