Hurricane Damage Lingers as Mexican Tennis Open Brings Hope to Acapulco Businesses

On the eve of the start of Mexican Tennis Open500th tournament of the ATPwhich will begin this Monday in the Mexican resort of Acapulcothe damage left by the hurricane Otis in real estate, condominiums and hotels are still visible although merchants and restaurateurs hope that the event will bring them benefits.

Francisco Mejía Casteñóndealer and owner of a restaurant on Revolcadero beach, which is just five minutes from the Arena GNPwhere the event will take place, assured that after the passage of the meteor they have lived through difficult months but they have begun to have hope with the arrival of the tournament to the place.

However, he acknowledged that although these types of events benefit businesses, thanks to the large number of people who come to them, the majority of those who come to this area are those who experience tennis fever without going to the stadium.

MEX9529. ACAPULCO (MEXICO), 02/25/2024.- The merchant Francisco Mejía Castañón speaks during an interview with EFE this Sunday, in Acapulco (Mexico). On the eve of the start of the Mexican Open tennis tournament, the 500th ATP tournament, which will begin this Monday in the Mexican resort of Acapulco, the damage left by Hurricane Otis in buildings, condominiums and hotels is still visible although merchants and restaurateurs hope that the event brings them benefits. EFE/ David Guzmán

“They come here to cool off for a while on the beach and yes, they leave us with consumption too,” he mentioned.

That is why some waiters, cooks, assistants, among others have decided to work all day from Friday to Monday.

On the beach wallow There are 20 restaurants on the sand strip, in addition to 84 shops ranging from sundries, selling handicrafts, sweets, coconuts and clothing who every day seek to survive and although they have been rehabilitated, they are not 100% but they can provide the service.

José Luis Olea Hernández is a waiter who for several years has gotten used to working only on weekends, but he comments that now it is more difficult to obtain income due to the damage left by the hurricane, especially due to the conditions in which many buildings, hotels and restaurants are. condominiums.

MEX9529. ACAPULCO (MEXICO), 02/25/2024.- Waiter José Luis Olea Hernández speaks during an interview with EFE this Sunday, in Acapulco (Mexico). On the eve of the start of the Mexican Open tennis tournament, the 500th ATP tournament, which will begin this Monday in the Mexican resort of Acapulco, the damage left by Hurricane Otis in buildings, condominiums and hotels is still visible although merchants and restaurateurs hope that the event brings them benefits. EFE/ David Guzmán

He stated that for several years they have understood that this tennis tournament contributes little to their economy, since only “some” tourists and visitors decide to visit this beach, even if it is only to walk on the sand strip.

“It doesn’t benefit us, I’m going to be clear to you because almost here they (those who attend the tournament matches) do not come to do consumption”, he pointed out.

Both the restaurateur and the waiter agree that it will take several years for the port’s image to be rebuilt, and they have the expectation that the turismo that has been lost, will return in the coming years.

On October 25, 2023, Otis hit the coast of the southern state of Guerrerocausing the death of at least 50 people, 30 missing and causing damage to more than 90% of its infrastructure and leaving more than 250 thousand victims.

With information from EFE

2024-02-26 01:53:41
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