Forums > Areas > Central Highlands

Chumley

Mar 23, 2003, 12:25 PM

Post #1 of 3 (472 views)

Shortcut

Where now, traveler? Tourism in San Miguel in light of events

Can't Post |

In the latest issue of a publication entitled Places & People, a bilingual tabloid-sized newspaper, both an editorial and a full page advertisement placed by the Hotel Association of San Miguel decried the recent 30% cutback for the budget of the Tourist Secretariat of the State of Guanajuato. The editorial outlined an announced plan by the Federal Secretariat of Tourism to launch a “tourist contingency plan” in the wake of current world developments. Yet, ironically, the state of Guanajuato reduces it’s budget and promotion, although service providers throughout the state claim that 80% of the state’s budget goes to cover overhead, and development projects sit inside desk drawers.

The paid advertisement by the San Miguel Hotel Association states, “Unlike other cities in the state, San Miguel de Allende’s economic growth relies on tourism, its most important source of income, so aside from tourist promotion, investment is not only necessary but urgent in order to maintain the city…”

Recent surveys have revealed that over 70% of the visitors to San Miguel are Mexicans, which means that the bulk of state and federal promotion dollars would be spent reaching that market. The local English language newspaper, Atención, published by the Biblioteca Publica, in every issue keeps a running count of visitors to their House and Garden Tour and compares it to the previous years count. This is done, they say, at the request of restaurants, hotels and other businesses so local vendors may judge for themselves if tourism is up or down. Of course, the majority of people taking advantage of the tours are North Americans and the occasional European and Japanese tourist. In other words, these numbers reflect the 30% of the tourists not targeted by the state secretariat budget. As of the latest issue, the count between 2002 and 2003 is a statistical dead heat.

Because of the current world situation and its impact upon travel and tourism worldwide, but specifically how it may impact San Miguel de Allende, I would propose that the forum readers provide feedback on this critical subject. I do not suggest that we discourse on the political background feeding this crisis, but rather focus on how the economy of a tourist dependant city may help itself through this difficult time.

Please enter your opinions and ideas. Thank you.

Carol Schmidt

Mar 26, 2003, 11:25 PM

Post #2 of 3 (441 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Don Agustín] Where now, traveler? Tourism in San Miguel in light of events

Can't Post | Private Reply

I have mixed responses, no clear answers. To me it's fantastic that the House and Gardens Tours are still getting as many people as last year, and that year was about equal to 2001 when most of that year was before 9-11.

It's the end of March, the great winter influx of gringos is winding down, but I still see huge masses of tourists, gringo and Mexican, when I go anywhere. I'm looking forward to next month when I get my art classes, restaurants, sidewalks, streets, back. And then the next influx will be in July and August, weighted heavily from Texas. From a purely subjective view, I don't see any cutbacks, but then I've only been here a little less than a year. Those gringos I know who have been here 10-20 years say the crowds now are terrible, they've seen no cutbacks. And yet there must be some in light of the current dreadful U.S. economy and the war. I just haven't seen it.

I have heard that many long-time gringo residents who have seen their investments drop drastically in value are cutting back in areas like part-time housekeepers and gardeners instead of full-time, which is affecting the locals severely.

I do know I've been reading story after story lately about the coming Jack Nicklaus multi-million-dollar golf resort, particularly on how it will affect the water shortages here. Apparently the builders have promised to contribute heavily to a waste water treatment plant and recycled water is all that will be used on the greens, and the plant will be beneficial to the entire city which is looking toward a major water crisis in coming years (not unique to SMA). The doubts, of course, are on whether the developers will actually do as they say, and will all the influx of more people be good for the city anyway?

The premise is that the city needs more wealthy tourists, and fewer of them, to bring in more money, rather than hordes more barely making the FM3 income requirements. One rich couple can drop many thousands in a week into the SMA economy without doing all that much damage to the small colonial city atmosphere. Or so the argument goes.

You've raised some interesting and important questions, Don Agustine. I'd like to hear more responses.

Carol Schmidt

D.G.

Mar 27, 2003, 6:55 AM

Post #3 of 3 (431 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Don Agustín] Where now, traveler? Tourism in San Miguel in light of events

Can't Post | Private Reply

A few more thoughts on tourism, and promotion pesos.

I don't think tourism is greatly affected by advertising. I believe word of mouth is the way in which most people find out about places like San Miguel and Guanajuato. I remembered San Miguel from a trip I made there 40 years ago, and it left fond memories in my heart. The number of people that I have told about the city is considerable, and I suspect other tourists can relate that their trips were directly influenced by others who had been to a particular city or region.

The fact that the house tours are about the same doesn't surprise me. I would venture a guess that many of the people who do the tours live in San Miguel or are there as extended tourists. They in turn invite their friends, and guests to take a tour, and that keeps the numbers up. I have gone on several tours myself, when I can. Again, I suspect the loss of promotional monies will have little effect.

The war which is raging in Iraq may affect tourism into Mexico, since people like to stay close at home during times of crisis. However, I believe that many perceive Mexico as a relatively safe place to visit, and if they do go out of their country are likely to come to see the many wonderful places that she has to offer.