could seek to retain the traditional character of the destination as a mass market sun,
sea and sand product, yet initiate projects to redevelop and modernise existing
attractions and facilities that would appeal to a new, more discerning domestic and
international market. Additionally, alternative tourism development projects, such as
ecotourism and adventure tourism in Veladero National Park, heritage tourism at San
Diego Fort or culinary tourism in the destination’s cafes and restaurants, would
appeal to further audiences currently not under consideration.
4.10.3 Investment
Acapulco receives direct public expenditure from the federal and state governments
to improve infrastructure and public facilities, yet it is often criticised for being
inadequate and susceptible to corrupt activities. Meanwhile, another problem that
occurs is that projects are often impeded by protesting social and political groups
who disagree with the plans for various reasons. At the same time, the overall
negativity associated with Acapulco has resulted in the situation in which its appeal
to private investors, both local and international, is limited (indeed, the inability to
secure investment has culminated in a growing dependence on international aid, as
will be discussed in the section below). Although Tourism Secretary Enrique de la
Madrid Cordero recently spoke of a coordinated intergovernmental effort to attract
higher-quality tourism (Sectur 2016), one participant suggested that such talk is
merely rhetoric adopted to placate discerning voices.
We do not want announcements of investment. They rarely happen. First, we want security
and a stable climate. Then we want results. (Participant 17, personal communication, May
17, 2016)
To transform rhetoric into reality, the local authority must demonstrate that it is
taking positive action to resolve the security issues affecting Acapulco and to
strengthen each of its capitals. This process should gradually help to erase the
present scepticism and attract the attention of those responsible for public and private
investment.
4.10.4 External Agency Support
Mexico regularly receives international financial support for tourism and other
initiatives. The majority of aid originates from Spain and has included specific
support for Acapulco in the form of the Spanish Cooperation Fund for development
which was designed to improve Acapulco’s water and drainage network (Conan
2012). Sources of external funding are crucial in a destination such as Acapulco,
lacking in investment and unable to exploit sufficient political and financial capital.
Consequently, it is important that the local tourism authorities actively search for
4 Regenerating the Pearl of the Pacific: A Destination Capitals. . .
57
sea and sand product, yet initiate projects to redevelop and modernise existing
attractions and facilities that would appeal to a new, more discerning domestic and
international market. Additionally, alternative tourism development projects, such as
ecotourism and adventure tourism in Veladero National Park, heritage tourism at San
Diego Fort or culinary tourism in the destination’s cafes and restaurants, would
appeal to further audiences currently not under consideration.
4.10.3 Investment
Acapulco receives direct public expenditure from the federal and state governments
to improve infrastructure and public facilities, yet it is often criticised for being
inadequate and susceptible to corrupt activities. Meanwhile, another problem that
occurs is that projects are often impeded by protesting social and political groups
who disagree with the plans for various reasons. At the same time, the overall
negativity associated with Acapulco has resulted in the situation in which its appeal
to private investors, both local and international, is limited (indeed, the inability to
secure investment has culminated in a growing dependence on international aid, as
will be discussed in the section below). Although Tourism Secretary Enrique de la
Madrid Cordero recently spoke of a coordinated intergovernmental effort to attract
higher-quality tourism (Sectur 2016), one participant suggested that such talk is
merely rhetoric adopted to placate discerning voices.
We do not want announcements of investment. They rarely happen. First, we want security
and a stable climate. Then we want results. (Participant 17, personal communication, May
17, 2016)
To transform rhetoric into reality, the local authority must demonstrate that it is
taking positive action to resolve the security issues affecting Acapulco and to
strengthen each of its capitals. This process should gradually help to erase the
present scepticism and attract the attention of those responsible for public and private
investment.
4.10.4 External Agency Support
Mexico regularly receives international financial support for tourism and other
initiatives. The majority of aid originates from Spain and has included specific
support for Acapulco in the form of the Spanish Cooperation Fund for development
which was designed to improve Acapulco’s water and drainage network (Conan
2012). Sources of external funding are crucial in a destination such as Acapulco,
lacking in investment and unable to exploit sufficient political and financial capital.
Consequently, it is important that the local tourism authorities actively search for
4 Regenerating the Pearl of the Pacific: A Destination Capitals. . .
57