Background on Key Figures and Relevance
Manuel Domínguez Gabián, the president of the Asociación Poblana de Hoteles y Moteles (Puebla Hotel and Motel Association), has expressed disappointment with the performance of metropolitan officials in their first year of office. The hotel industry was hoping for more collaboration and support from the new authorities to strengthen tourism, a crucial sector for Puebla’s economy.
Assessment of Metropolitan Officials’ Performance
Domínguez Gabián stated that the hotel industry expected more from the new municipal authorities, as their predecessors were uncooperative in working on projects that would bolster tourism. The hotel occupancy rate averages 60%, reflecting the industry’s dissatisfaction with the current administration’s efforts.
- Campaign Promises: The current authorities pledged to make tourism a “no-chimney industry” that would recover 2018’s figures.
- Lack of Capable Personnel: Domínguez Gabián noted that, except for Puebla city where there is a turism-experienced official, other municipalities lack qualified personnel for the turism positions, as political appointments seem to be prioritized.
- Importance of Tourism: He emphasized that tourism is a significant source of economic benefit for hoteliers, restaurateurs, and other service providers, including local businesses.
- Decline in Foreign Tourism: The hotel industry has observed a decrease in foreign tourists this year, attributing it to insufficient promotion through embassies and municipal turism officials.
- Lack of Collaboration: The hotel association has attempted to establish connections with municipal turism officials, but they have not witnessed the openness seen in previous administrations.
Impact on Tourism and Local Economy
Domínguez Gabián highlighted that the first year of metropolitan officials’ tenure has left much to be desired for the tourism service providers. He stressed that enhancing security is essential to change the perception of Puebla’s residents, as negative impressions could affect visitors.
He urged municipal authorities to be more inclusive in their second year of office, engaging with business leaders from the tourism sector. These entrepreneurs invest continuously to maintain high-quality accommodations and sustain the 17,000 jobs they support.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main concern of Puebla’s hotel industry? The primary issue is the lack of collaboration and support from metropolitan officials to strengthen tourism, which is vital for Puebla’s economy.
- Why are hotel occupancy rates low? The average 60% occupancy rate reflects the industry’s dissatisfaction with the current administration’s efforts in promoting tourism.
- What campaign promises were made by the current authorities? They pledged to make tourism a “no-chimney industry” that would recover 2018’s figures.
- Why is there a decline in foreign tourists? The hotel industry attributes this decrease to insufficient promotion through embassies and municipal turism officials.
- What is the impact of the metropolitan officials’ performance on the local economy? The first year of their tenure has left much to be desired for tourism service providers, emphasizing the need for improved security and collaboration with business leaders.
