On December 8th, the Statendam of Holland America cruise line arrived in Guaymas, Sonora carrying 1,258 tourists and 560 crew members. This is the second time the Statendam has made its way to Guaymas, and expectations are for such dockings to provide an economic boost to the area of over 1.5 million pesos.
Homero Ríos Murrieta, Deputy Coordinator of Sonoran Tourism (COFETUR), welcomed the tourists as they disembarked from the ship, which had most recently come from Loreto, Baja California, with upcoming stops in Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.
It is estimated about 60% of cruise goers disembark at the Guaymas stop in order to see the city, eat, as well as to buy local souvenirs and art. This, explained the state official, represents an economic influx of over 1.5 million pesos.
Cruise goers on the Statendam began their travels in San Diego, CA, with stops in Los Cabos, La Paz and Loreto, Baja California Sur before arriving in Guaymas.
The COFETUR representatives expressed they are pleased as steps taken by Governor Guillermo Padrés with cruise lines have been successful. Cruise lines are becoming more confident in Sonora and traveling through the Sea of Cortez.
During the present State administration, 11 cruise ships have made their way to Guaymas, representing an economic impact to date of 17 million pesos, detailed Ríos Murrieta.
He added in the coming year the Sonoran Government would continue working with cruise lines to promote the Sea of Cortez route, or rather to ensure arrival in Guaymas, as well as to Puerto Peñasco where the Home Port is currently under construction.