Robbin Hernandez, the president of the Entrepreneurial Leaders of Los Cabos, has shed some light on a concerning trend in downtown Cabo. Sales have dipped noticeably in 2023, with a decline of about 20 to 30 percent. It appears that the nightlife businesses are bearing the brunt of this downturn, and there are a few factors at play here.
One significant shift is the changing preferences of visitors. With the rise of luxurious hotels that offer top-notch food and beverage options, many tourists are choosing to spend their evenings in. The allure of these convenient and high-quality amenities is strong, making the trek to downtown less appealing.
But that’s not the only issue. The local dining and bar scene has seen some steep price hikes, with some establishments raising their prices by as much as 100 percent in just a year. That’s bound to make anyone think twice about where they spend their money.
Transportation costs are another factor. Getting around isn’t cheap, with even Uber rides putting a dent in visitors’ wallets. This, combined with the constant hustle of street vendors offering everything under the sun, legal or not, can be overwhelming. It seems that these factors together are steering tourists away from the downtown area.
It’s a complex situation, and it calls for a balanced approach. While it’s great that the hotel industry is thriving, finding ways to revive downtown Cabo’s allure and make it more accessible and inviting could help balance the scales. Perhaps it’s time for a rethink on pricing and the overall visitor experience in downtown Cabo.