Acapulco, Mexico – In a troubling recurrence, Acapulco, one of Mexico’s premier tourism destinations, finds itself grappling with the aftermath of a significant weather event for the second time in just over a year. This time, Hurricane John, which did not make direct landfall, has nonetheless inflicted substantial economic damage. The hurricane brought heavy rain, severe flooding, and road closures, resulting in hotel occupancy plummeting to a mere 13 percent, according to the Mexican Ministry of Tourism (Sectur).
Acapulco’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, but this recent crisis has severely impacted its ability to attract visitors. Data from Sectur reveals that approximately 2,000 tourists were in Acapulco during Hurricane John’s impact, a stark contrast to the bustling numbers typically seen during peak season.
Recovery Efforts and Evacuations
In response to the disaster, newly appointed Sectur head Josefina Rodríguez has been actively assessing the damage across affected areas, with particular attention on Acapulco International Airport. The airport, closed for several days, is currently operational solely for emergency purposes, enabling the evacuation and transport of stranded tourists.
Local officials, including Port Manager Luifil Orlando Britto, have coordinated with national airlines to facilitate the evacuation of 373 tourists on humanitarian flights. Furthermore, Costa Line, in partnership with the IAMSA Group and the Government of Guerrero, has been providing humanitarian land transport. This includes three daily runs from Costa Line and an additional four daily runs in collaboration with ADO-Estrella de Oro, which will continue through Saturday, October 5.
Decline in Tourism Figures
The hurricane’s impact has exacerbated an already troubling trend for Acapulco’s tourism industry. Over the past year, the port has seen a 42 percent decline in air passenger arrivals, which are a critical component of the city’s tourism economy. Additionally, the number of international tourists visiting Acapulco in the first eight months of this year stands at less than 20,000—a 60 percent drop compared to the same period in 2023.
This decline is not solely due to Hurricane John; last year, Hurricane Otis also contributed to a reduction in available hotel accommodations, with approximately 1,500 hotel rooms lost due to the storm. As the city struggles to recover, it faces the ongoing challenge of rebuilding its damaged infrastructure and restoring the confidence of both domestic and international tourists.
Looking Forward
Acapulco’s recent struggles highlight the vulnerability of tourism-dependent economies in the face of natural disasters. As authorities and residents work to rebuild, the hope is that increased support from federal and state governments will aid in restoring the port to its former prominence.
With the ongoing threat of extreme weather events due to climate change, local officials and business owners are exploring strategies to build a more resilient tourism sector. This includes considerations for infrastructure improvements, enhanced disaster preparedness, and diversified economic activities to reduce the city’s dependence on tourism alone.
While the road to recovery may be long, Acapulco’s historical significance and enduring appeal suggest that with the right measures, it can once again attract visitors to its shores, albeit with a renewed emphasis on sustainability and resilience.
