Nautical tourism boosts the local economy in La Paz

La demanda por experiencias en el mar, como paseos en yate, buceo y pesca deportiva, ha generado un crecimiento del 18% en operadores turísticos de la capital sudcaliforniana.

Demand for sea experiences, such as yachting, diving, and sport fishing, has generated an 18% growth among tour operators in the Southern California capital.

Tourism industry leaders in La Paz celebrated the increase in nautical activity during the first quarter of the year. The Association of Nautical Service Providers reported that occupancy rates for water tours have exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

The president of the commission of commercial and tourism affairs in the XVI Legislature of the Congress of the State of Baja California Sur, said that in the state, the Cabo San Lucas Marina has 288 docks to accommodate boats, while La Paz has seven marinas equipped with 751 available spaces, so he affirmed that Baja California Sur has the conditions and infrastructure necessary for the creation and promotion of productive chains and value networks of existing tourism developments.

He mentioned new developments in progress, such as the one located in the "Cabo del Este" area in La Ribera, called Costa Palmas, which is expected to generate an annual economic impact exceeding 25.5 billion pesos, as it will feature world-class lodging services, a golf course, and a marina, all of which contribute to this goal.

“Nautical tourism is considered a profitable industry that is becoming increasingly popular due to the variety of activities combined with sailing, such as scuba diving, sport fishing, where we are known for promoting internationally renowned tournaments; sailing, as well as a variety of other water activities enjoyed by vacationers who visit our ports for recreational, sporting, and leisure purposes on vessels of various sizes,” the legislator explained.

He added that the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean are coastlines that have become ideal attractions for all types of vessels, including luxury yachts from various countries in the Americas, Europe, and Japan.

"We're seeing a boom in experiential tourism, and that benefits the entire value chain," said Mariela Cota, an operator at Marina Cortez.