A Surge in Covid-19 Infections is Causing a Slow Influx of Americans to Tijuana.

This Monday marks the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States.

Because the United States celebrates the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. this Monday, January 17, a symbol of the struggle for racial equality, this gives workers a “long holiday” to enjoy these days to go out. For this reason, Tijuana merchants expected an increase in sales, however, it did not happen.

According to Julián Palombo Saucedo, president of Comercios Turísticos de Tijuana AC, these goals were not met since, despite the fact that this long weekend was expected to provide some relief from the economic crisis that has plagued the region since the beginning of the 21st century, it was further affected by the arrival of Covid-19.

This low influx of American tourists this past weekend is also due to the surge in cases of COVID-19 and its Omicron variant. A survey was conducted among various merchants from different industries and locations in Tijuana, and this study showed an 8% economic recovery compared to a typical weekend.

Palombo added that these types of situations force merchants to make greater efforts, seeking to conduct their business in different ways and being more creative, all in order to accelerate the short-term recovery. Another point he took into account is the need for coordinated work with authorities at all three levels of government, as well as the search for well-targeted markets and partnerships with Mexican consulates in California, Arizona, and Nevada, all to promote the other most visited city in the world.