Recent security alerts issued by U.S. authorities regarding alleged threats in Mexicali have not translated into a noticeable decline in tourism across Baja California, according to Miguel Ángel Badiola Montaño, the state’s Secretary of Tourism.
During remarks on the situation, Badiola said the visitors who regularly travel to Baja California from California have continued crossing the border, particularly those coming from San Diego, Los Angeles and other communities throughout the state.
Southern California visitors continue traveling to Baja California
Badiola described this recurring cross-border flow as “natural tourism,” referring to visitors who are already familiar with Baja California and frequently travel to the region for leisure and other activities.
He said these travelers understand that the recent security-related events do not reflect the broader reality of destinations such as Tijuana and Mexicali.
“Natural tourism, the tourism from California, specifically from San Diego and Los Angeles, continues because they know that is not the reality of Tijuana or Baja California. The reality of Tijuana and Baja California is that it has a purely tourism-oriented vocation.”
According to the Tourism Secretary, the recent situation has not had a significant impact on tourism in Mexicali or other parts of the state.
Food and tourism experiences remain part of the appeal
Baja California continues to offer visitors a wide range of experiences, with gastronomy among the attractions Badiola highlighted. He pointed to regional specialties including Caesar salad in Tijuana, margaritas in Ensenada, clamato in Mexicali, lobster in Puerto Nuevo and oysters in San Quintín.
Beyond its culinary offerings, he said the state welcomes visitors with a broader tourism portfolio that includes hospitality, health tourism and experiences aimed at different types of travelers.
Tourism activity extends beyond cross-border visits
Badiola also emphasized that tourism growth in Baja California is not limited to visitors arriving from California. He pointed to activity in areas such as the hotel industry and binational investment as additional signs of the sector’s continued development.
For the official, these different areas contribute to Baja California’s position as a tourism destination whose economic relationship with California extends beyond short-term leisure visits.
