Meagan Drillinger
When it comes to safety in Mexico, one name that always hangs in the balance is Acapulco.
The annual Tianguis Turistico, Mexico's largest travel industry event, was held exclusively in Acapulco for decades, but that ended a few years ago because of safety issues. Since then, the conference has become a biennial event in the destination, with other Mexican cities serving as host in the off years.
But the government is committed to transforming the reputation of Acapulco and as such is injecting billions of dollars into its infrastructure to help bring back U.S. tourists And supplier leaders in the industry are following suit.
"The destination is in full glory during Tianguis, and we are excited to show visitors from all over the world everything we have to offer," Ernesto Rodriguez Escalona, secretary of tourism of the state of Guerrero, said in a statement. "Tourism in Acapulco continues to grow thanks to new projects and investments from both the public and private sectors. Our improved infrastructure and record-breaking visitors this past year is a testament to our commitment to growth."
Occupancy
Average hotel occupancy for the holiday period of Dec. 20 to 31 was at 95%. Acapulco registered the highest occupancy on record in the past eight years with 98.1% on Jan. 1. Interest for the destination was especially high during weekends and holidays as the destination averaged 80% over the Mexican holiday weekend of Feb. 4 to 6 and 81% over the March 18-20 holiday, results higher than those from last year during the same weekends.
Cruises
Acapulco is expecting a 64% increase in cruise ship arrivals during 2017. The destination will welcome 28 cruise ships in 2017, compared with 18 during 2016. Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas, V-Ships, Silversea, Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Global, Saga and Hapag Lloyd all currently operate in Acapulco.
The increase comes despite Holland America Line recently dropping eight scheduled calls in Acapulco, citing security concerns. The calls were scheduled on seven Panama Canal cruises, and a South American voyage in 2017-18.
New investments
For the last few years Acapulco has been touting its billion-dollar injections into tourism projects, including one of the largest over-the-ocean ziplines in the world, which debuted at Tianguis this year.
Xtasea, which reaches 75 mph at an altitude of 328 feet, is part of Grupo Autofin's "Master Plan" investment, which will also include the renovations of the Pierre Mundo Imperial and Princess Mundo Imperial hotels, as well as new developments like Spa Tlalli, Turtle Dunes Golf Clubhouse, Gourmet Beach, Hotel Prince by Mundo Imperial, Hotel Marques Boutique, Residences and Luxury Condominiums, Hotel Boutique Only You, Diamente Retirement Homes, Princess Medical Center, and an eco-amusement park called Aventura Guerrero.
Next year Acapulco will debut its new airport terminal to welcome more than 1.3 million visitors per year. In addition, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located on Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue, began a two-year, $8.5 million renovation. Later this year, the Macrotunnel that will connect Playa Icacos to the Diamond Zone is set to open.