Mazatlán’s Dominant Role in Sinaloa’s Tourism Sector
Mazatlán has established itself as the undisputed leader in Sinaloa’s tourism map, accounting for 74% of the state’s total tourism activity. The city has attracted a significant portion of private investments in the state, with 50,519 million pesos out of a total 114,772 million pesos, according to Mireya Sosa Osuna, Secretary of Tourism in Sinaloa.
Economic Impact of Tourism in Mazatlán
The tourism sector in Mazatlán has been a significant driver of economic development, with an average hotel occupancy rate of 72% from January to September. The city anticipates an increase in international tourism from Canada and the United States, further boosting its position as Sinaloa’s primary tourist destination.
Comparison with Other Cities in Sinaloa
While Mazatlán leads, Culiacán and Los Mochis follow closely. Culiacán, known as Mexico’s granary, attracts business tourism, while Los Mochis, the gateway to the Copper Canyon, has seen a 33% annual growth in passenger arrivals, thanks to the Podebi development pole.
Strategies for Decentralized Economic Benefits
Under Sosa Osuna’s leadership, the state aims to distribute economic benefits more evenly. The intraestatal “Enamórate de Sinaloa” program encourages root tourism in the state’s 20 municipalities, with over 6,000 Sinaloense travelers exploring their home state.
Complementary Initiatives
Alongside “Enamórate de Sinaloa,” initiatives like “Colores y Raíces” and “Coloreando Sinaloa” aim to enhance the region’s appeal. The promotion of Sinaloa’s five Pueblos Mágicos and twelve Pueblos Señoriales further enriches the tourism offerings.
Community Tourism and Cultural Preservation
Sosa Osuna emphasizes the importance of community tourism, supported by the federal Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR) led by Josefina Rodríguez Zamora. The goal is to integrate 22 ceremonial centers into the tourism circuit, highlighting the rich cultural heritage often overlooked by many Mexicans.
Achievements and Future Prospects
During the Fiesta Amigos Mazatlán event, a year-round Calgary-Mazatlán flight was confirmed, bringing over 5,000 passengers. Over 1,300 business meetings were also facilitated, a record number that positions Mazatlán to attract congresses in the coming year. The city’s convention center can accommodate more than 5,000 people, and its hotel offer stands at over 14,000 rooms.
Tourism Promotion Strategy
Sinaloa’s tourism promotion strategy focuses on attracting business travel and conferences, with 3% of the hotel occupation tax (ISH) allocated for this purpose. Managed by a consultative council, this approach has proven effective in promoting Sinaloa’s tourism sector.
