The aftermath of Spring Break: Statistics from Colima's director of
tourism
In a
recent interview Tourism Director Fernando Moran said that according to data
submitted to the department of tourism, hotel occupancy
was at 94% during the first week of Spring Break, or Semana Santa.
According to Moran, more than
$237 million pesos (approximately 20 million USD) was brought in during that
week alone. With Manzanillo's population at 150,000, the first week of Spring
Break brought an additional influx of 105,000 visitors to the state.
Moran
explained that during the second week of Easter (Semana Pascua) the hotel
occupancy rate dropped to between 80 and 82%, down 12 to 14 points from the week
before, but it is typical for this
time . Normal occupancy rate for the winter tourist season is 75-76%.
The second week also
brought an additional 55,000 tourists to the state. The total income generated
by the 2-week holiday period was $403 million pesos (approximately $35 million
USD).
Director
Moran credited the high occupancy rate to the effort made by all three levels of government:
federal, state and local. He stated that in terms of security and tourist
service, the state scores exceeded 9 points in tourist satisfaction out of a
possible 10.
Click on photos to enlarge
|
La Boquita, a great swimming beach with small waves |
He said that that the only accidents were the death of a child in a private pool,
and a collision on the Colima-Guadalajara highway, but outside the
state (in the state of Jalisco), which killed 2 people. There was also a fight in Manzanillo,
unrelated to tourism, which resulted in a
death.
He said the report issued by the Federal Preventive Police stated it
assisted 343 drivers and that there were only 7 accidents on state highways
with 4 injured and no deaths.
According to Moran, Colima officials made a great effort to maintain balance
and remain 100% operational. |
Ice cream vendor
at La Boquita |
|
Miramar Beach
|
"We reviewed the area of Olas Altas and Miramar beaches which
have the greatest concentration of tourists, who are at higher
risk.
It was important to focus our efforts and operations where there is the
greatest danger. In that area, there were 460 rescues." (Olas Altas,
or "High Waves" beach is a favorite spot for surfers, but dangerous for
swimming. Miramar, or "Sea View Beach," is the most popular area in
Manzanillo for vacationers, but also has drop-offs and undertow. Many
tourists, who are not good swimmers, nor have ocean experience are unaware
of the potential dangers.) |
Vendor of beach toys |
|
Dangerous waves at
Miramar Beach |
The tourism minister noted that last year there were 104 lifeguards at beaches and
resorts, and this year added another 30 on the instructions of the governor.
Additionally,
tourism entrepreneurs in the state took part in a comprehensive training
program in order to give quality service and personalized attention to their
customers.
The effect of the added security, better training and attention to safety
issues means that Manzanillo and the state of Colima exceeded 9 points in
satisfaction, which indicates that
people will return to Manzanillo because they were well treated, Moran said. |
The
tourism minister thanked
governor Anguiano Mario Moreno for
his
support, helping the state to move from the number 32 position to forth place in
the amount of resources allocated for the training of tourism service providers.
Moran
also expressed his commitment to continue working in coordination with public
and private institutions, law enforcement and the three levels of government for
future vacations.
