Bus Tours may be coming to Baja California

But not unless the Secretariat Communications and Transportation changes its rules

TIJUANA.- During the recent visit by the Federal Secretary of Tourism to Baja California, Director Claudia Ruiz Massieu promised to push to allow the circulation of Tour Buses from California into Baja California. This is according to Oscar Jesus Escobedo Carignan, Baja California's Secretary of Tourism. Under current law, buses are only allowed to enter the State internationally if they have capacity for more than 30 passengers; leaving smaller operators and vans out of the picture.

"This has been a topic of contention for tour service operators for years; since the beginning of this administration we have searched for ways to make this change become a reality, and with the recent visit of the national Secretary we had an opportunity to formally propose tackling this issue, to which we received a favorable response and commitment by the Federal Tourism Secretary's Director to discuss it with Secretary of Communications and Transportation", said Escobedo.

According to Escobedo, up until 1993, tour buses of under 30 seats of capacity (van and limousine types) were allowed to enter the state, and it is estimated that the current restrictions prevent at least 50 thousand tourist vehicles from coming to Baja California.

"Our neighbor to the north, California, receives more than 15 million international tourists each year, many of these tourists used to have the ability to book binational tours that allow them to visit the U.S. but and Baja California. In this manner, the State was able to position itself as a favorite destination", said Escobedo.

The state Tourism Secretary stated that the restrictions were put in place under article 37 of the Federal Transportation Rules on November 22, 1994, which established that international tourism must take place via buses with the capacity for more than 30 people.

He added that according to Ensenada businessman Nico Saad, a representative of the hotel sector, should this restriction be lifted, and should international tours be once again allowed to arrive in the state, this would result in an increase of about 1.5 million international visitors each year.

"We are confident that the Secretary will be able to advance this concern. For tourism officials in Baja California it is a top priority issue, as well as for Governor Francisco Vega de Lamadrid, who has instructed us to push this issue until it is resolved", he concluded.

The State Tourism's director indicated that they will stay on top of this issue with the Federal Secretary of Tourism in coordination with all related public servants.

Editorial@sandiegored.com

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