Tourism in southern Sonora is feeling the full force of the insecurity plaguing its two neighboring states. The Navojoa Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCV) reported a 30 percent decline in hotel occupancy, attributed primarily to conflicts between criminal organizations in Culiacán, Sinaloa.
The OCV noted that this decline has persisted since 2014; however, the region has managed to maintain some dynamism thanks to sporting, cultural, and entertainment events. The organization’s president, Martín Soria Rivera, explained that the violence in the neighboring state has slowed the flow of tourists to southern Mexico, directly impacting the arrival of Mexican nationals to Navojoa, who traditionally travel through this area.
He indicated that while the situation in Culiacán caused a significant shift in hotel demand, with an estimated decrease of between 20 and 30 percent, the organization of events has contributed to a partial recovery. Among the events he mentioned were sporting events, the Soccer Cup, the Navojoa Cultural Festival 2025, MotoFest, and various regional fairs, all of which have attracted visitors to hotels in the Mayo region.
He added that interest has begun to grow among visitors from other states, who choose the region for the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, which also boosts local logistics and the economy.
Finally, the president of the Convention and Visitors Bureau acknowledged that checkpoints can contribute to security; however, he warned that their misuse directly affects tourism and commerce.
Source: msn
