This May, Acapulco played host to the annual Tianguis Turistico Mexico 2022, giving the country’s jet-set vacation destination a big opportunity to showcase all that’s new and exciting — and there was quite a bit of good news to share.
Visitor statistics reported by the Acapulco Destination Marketing Office, for example, were quite promising. So far this year, the city has witnessed a 16% spike in arrivals compared to 2021, and a 31% surge in hotel occupancy in May 2022, compared to the same period last year. What’s more, the May occupancy rate is 14% higher than in 2019.
A New Airport Terminal and Local Investments
Travelers headed to Acapulco today will likely notice several new developments. In recent years, the destination has benefited from major public investments, most notably with the construction of a new airport terminal that opened in 2018, a project that cost around $30 million. The private sector is also pumping some $1 billion into the destination, according to tourism officials. Among the companies banking on Acapulco’s future is Mundo Imperial Entertainment & Hospitality, a growing player in tourism, entertainment and hospitality. This year, the company opened Arena GNP Seguros, a sports and entertainment stadium with seating for more than 10,000 people. After hosting the 2022 Mexican Open tennis tournament as its debut event, the venue has some more than a dozen events slated for this year, according to the company.
Acapulco as a Medical Tourism and Retirement Destination
Mundo Imperial also plans to invest in Acapulco’s potential as a medical tourism and retirement destination, with long-term plans to reduce the room count of Princess Mundo Imperial — one of the company’s flagship hotel properties in Acapulco — to make way for senior adult residences. In addition, the company plans to construct a hospital on the grounds, as well as a new glamping concept in a separate location. Exact opening dates for the new facilities have yet to be announced.
Acapulco’s new sports and entertainment arena features seating for more than 10,000 spectators.
Credit: 2022 Acapulco Destination Marketing OfficeTourism Challenges and Opportunities
Like nearly every destination, Acapulco suffered during the height of the pandemic. But its appeal with domestic travelers helped the city maintain a relatively strong position, according to Santos Ramirez Cuevas, secretary of tourism for the state of Guerrero.
“Acapulco is well-positioned in the domestic market, and that has permitted us to have a much faster recovery than other tourism destinations,” he said. “We are currently in the process of increasing air connectivity, mostly on the international level, and we’re gradually growing international visitor numbers."
Acapulco is well-positioned in the domestic market, and that has permitted us to have a much faster recovery than other tourism destinations.
Ramirez Cuevas also noted that tourism officials are currently working to strengthen existing connections with the Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston airports, while additionally expanding seasonal winter routes from Canada. Once frequencies increase and become year-round service, it will help lay the groundwork for new routes, such as Chicago and Los Angeles, he said.
Is Safety Improving in Acapulco?
Security and safety are still concerns for Acapulco, and these issues are the focus of major new initiatives, according to Ramirez Cuevas.
“The governor of Guerrero, Evelyn Salgado Pineda, together with federal and municipal authorities, has an objective to provide the greatest possible security for domestic and international tourists, and to restore their confidence in Acapulco,” he said.
New security efforts are helping improve safety in the city.
Credit: 2022 2022 Acapulco Destination Marketing OfficeHe also notes the launch of a new, multisector team that is developing and analyzing strategies to improve safety in the city; among tactics is the increased presence of security officers on the streets in tourist zones.
And safety is already improving.
“Incidents of violence have diminished considerably in recent years,” said Ramirez Cuevas, pointing to an increase in all the tourism indicators, as well as the staging of international events like the Mexican Open, Tianguis Turistico and more than 800 congresses and conventions that have generated an influx of some 910,000 people and an economic impact of around $500 million in the past five years.
“Without a doubt, this proves that Acapulco is restoring travelers’ confidence, and it continues to be a tourism destination that’s attractive on an international level,” he said.
The city may no longer be the high-profile playground of the rich and famous, but there’s still plenty for U.S. travelers to love: Whether clients are looking for nature, adventure, ecotourism, history, culture or gastronomy, Acapulco has diverse offerings for all budgets, while providing authentic Mexican charm, according to Ramirez Cuevas.
“Acapulco is a destination with natural beauty, and its tourism infrastructure allows it to offer something for all the market niches — families, young people, seniors and couples,” he said.
