2021 was a time of renewal, both economically and for tourism in Puerto Peñasco. These factors, along with progress in vaccinations, continues to strengthen the destination as a safe city.
After the pandemic struck the local economy harshly in 2020, and particularly tourism, 2021 saw important recovery in the number of visitors to Puerto Peñasco, as occurred in other spots around the country. The application of vaccines against Covid have played a fundamental role in helping recapture momentum and greater trust in travel.
The Puerto Peñasco Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCV), in addition to promoting the beauty, infrastructure, and services in this tourism port via digital campaigns in Mexico and the U.S., has focused efforts on steps to promote vaccinations within the region by directly participating in cross-border vaccine campaigns in Lukeville, AZ.
Liz Ibarra, OCV Director, detailed 2021 was a good year in tourism recovery, with thousands throughout the year who put their trust in this beach destination as a safe spot to visit. It is notable how the area maintains ongoing health protocols at hotels, condominium complexes, restaurants, and other establishments.
The OCV also showcased Puerto Peñasco at the Tourism Fair in Mérida, Yucatan, which attracts numerous promotors and travel agents from across the globe, as well as at the Tu Guía (Your Guide) event for tour operators in the state, among other events that resumed in 2021.
The Puerto Peñasco OCV also took part in formal meetings throughout 2021, including those meant to strengthen ties with Célida López Cárdenas, the Sonora Secretary of Tourism, swearing in of the Tourism Advisory Board, and gatherings with business, health, and service provider sectors.
Ibarra emphasized, within just the first quarter of 2021, the OCV had already recorded approximately 262,000 visitors to the area from the U.S and Mexico. This represents economic revenue of approximately 14 million pesos. This was followed by a period of tremendous tourism influx, spanning from March through November, encompassing Spring Break, Holy Week, and summer vacation, capping it off with the 20th Anniversary of the Rocky Point Rally.
This progress was made in conjunction with steps to provide covid vaccines to residents both in Puerto Peñasco and Sonoyta via the cross-border campaigns, as well as a growing number of U.S. visitors having received their full vaccinations, and even boosters.
In 2021, two of the area’s beaches were again ratified as the only Certified Clean Beaches in Sonora, while another area beach maintained its Blue Flag status. In addition, more inclusive spaces were made possible along with the construction of new developments.
The Puerto Peñasco Convention and Visitors Bureau is confident 2022 will be a good year for tourism to the area, and for the state of Sonora. This confidence stems from improved conditions for promotion, health, and economic activities. Nevertheless, stated the OCV Director, it is not time to let down our guard. Both residents and visitors alike must maintain basic health and hygiene protocols in helping to prevent health emergencies.