Mazatlán’s economic and tourism activity is facing a severe blow following recent waves of violence generated by criminal groups in Sinaloa, which began escalating in September. This situation has impacted not only hotels and restaurants but has also disrupted the entire chain of services and suppliers that support the local port’s economy.

According to a report from the weekly publication Ríodoce, the violence has significantly affected suppliers and tourism service workers in Mazatlán, from the hotel industry to bars and nightclubs. Even those indirectly dependent on tourism income are feeling the impact, as the flow of visitors has drastically declined.

You may also be interested in the Spanish version: La violencia del narcotráfico golpea al turismo y la economía de Mazatlán

José Ramón Manguart, president of the Three Islands Hotel Association, reported a significant drop in reservations since the Independence Day celebrations, with occupancy falling by 25% to 30% on some days. “The fear generated by recent violent incidents has shaken tourists' confidence, leading to lower hotel occupancy and reduced spending in the port,” Manguart commented.

In response to the situation, local residents have issued recommendations for tourists, advising caution to avoid potential risks. Araceli Elías, a visitor from Jalisco, shared that locals advised her not to leave her hotel after 10:00 p.m. “They told us to try to return early and avoid going out at night to prevent any incidents,” she explained.

Similarly, some Mazatlán residents have urged tourists to limit their movements and avoid traveling outside the port to other areas in Sinaloa, such as Culiacán, due to ongoing instability. Hugo Roberto Jiménez, another tourist, mentioned that locals recommended “not leaving Mazatlán to visit other places” to avoid risks.

The drop in tourist numbers has also impacted local taxi drivers and vendors. According to sector workers, intercity buses are now arriving at only 50% capacity, and vendors sometimes have to wait up to an hour for customers. This situation has severely affected those who depend on the steady influx of visitors for their daily livelihood.

The current wave of violence in the state is attributed to internal conflicts within factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, resulting in over 150 deaths in recent weeks. With incidents of shootings and kidnappings, the insecurity has not only disrupted daily life for residents but has also cast a shadow over the state’s tourist appeal.