The H1N1 scare, combined with the sluggish economy, caused Rosarito Beach, Mexico to take a big hit when it comes to visitors. Now the city is teaming up with Las Vegas.
The H1N1 outbreak hit Mexico the hardest when the illness was first discovered. Months later, the tourism industry there is still hurting. Citlalitl Pereda traveled four and a half hours from Rosarito Beach, hoping to a build partnership with Las Vegas. “The relationship has been really good and we have all things to offer, depending on the city. You guys offer casinos, the nightlife, that's something we don't have and we offer different things,” he said.
Rosarito is offering deals to entice locals to head south. “We have a deal for two people, a hotel room, lobster meal, and two margaritas for $99,” he said.
The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce was an important stop for Pereda during his visit.
“It's also to talk about what’s happening here in Las Vegas. Mexico is our number two international customer. Last year, we had more than 360,000 Mexicans in our city,” said Cara Roberts with the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.
Roberts says these long distance relationships go a long way. “There are challenges that both of our tourism economies have faced. This is an opportunity to talk about best practices -- what's worked for them and what's working here in Las Vegas and to share those ideas,” she said.
The Mexican Consulate says 80-percent of their economy is based on the United States economy. The faster things pick up here, the faster Mexico will bounce back.
