The Decline of a Tourist Destination and the Militarization of the Place, the Acapulco Case

Abstract

The article examines the militarization observed in the tourist destination of Acapulco after the impact of Category 5 Hurricane Otis in October 2023. The phenomenon left in its wake desolation and destruction in most of the hotels and tourist services in the tourist area and the city, Since 2006 to date, the city has experienced the recurrence of drug violence generated by organized crime, generating violent deaths, the withdrawal of international tourism and a significant drop in its main indicators. In response to this crisis, the federal government has announced plans for the construction of barracks in different places in the city and specifically in emblematic tourist places such as the House of Culture, the Convention Center, the Papagayo Park of Acapulco and the Club of Golf located on its main tourist avenue. The research article aims to explore and analyze the current situation of Acapulco, exploring the challenges and analyzing the implications of militarization on the tourist destination and on the local economy and its iconic attractions. Through a qualitative approach methodology, it is intended to offer an exploratory vision of the current tourism crisis and formulate strategic recommendations to avoid further damage to the tourist image of the destination, the phenomenon of militarization of tourist destinations is unprecedented in Acapulco according to the literature search carried out.