Luis Alberto Coppola Joffroy, one of the visionaries who helped turn Cabo San Lucas from a sleepy fishing village into a world-class destination, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025, at age 76.
Born in San Juan de los Planes, Baja California Sur, in 1948, Coppola studied Business Administration at Monterrey Tech (ITESM) before launching a career that would leave a permanent mark on the tourism industry of southern Baja.
Building Paradise from Scratch
In the early 1970s, when Los Cabos barely had paved roads or reliable electricity, Coppola saw potential where most saw wilderness. Alongside other pioneers like Luis Bulnes of Solmar fame, he helped shape the town’s first tourism boom.
He founded Hotel Finisterra, the clifftop resort overlooking Cabo’s marina and Pacific side, which became a local landmark and is now operated as Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos. He also developed Hotel Los Arcos in La Paz, one of the capital’s early icons. These projects helped establish the region as a destination for anglers, adventurers, and luxury travelers alike.
Old-timers still recall how Coppola personally supervised construction, hauling materials and supplies by boat when local infrastructure was nonexistent. His passion and persistence helped transform the area into one of Mexico’s most visited coastal resorts.
Sportfishing and Community Vision
Coppola wasn’t just in hospitality — he was an avid sport fisherman who saw in Cabo’s waters a future economy. His early support helped spark tournaments that would later evolve into the world-famous Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament, which today brings millions of dollars and global attention to Los Cabos each year.
He also co-founded local hotel associations and worked with civic leaders to promote tourism standards and training for local workers, believing that Baja’s natural beauty deserved to be matched with top-notch service.
Politics and Public Life
Coppola later entered public service, joining the National Action Party (PAN) in the early 2000s. He ran as a candidate for Governor of Baja California Sur in 2005 and served as a Senator of the Republic from 2006 to 2012.
During his Senate term, he chaired the Tourism Commission, pushing for federal investment in tourism infrastructure, cleaner beaches, and environmental safeguards for coastal development. His experience as a businessman often shaped his political vision — blending entrepreneurship with sustainable regional growth.
Although he left the PAN in 2012 after internal disagreements, his name remained tied to Baja’s progress and the tourism that supports much of its economy.
Legacy and Farewell
For many locals, Coppola’s story mirrors that of Los Cabos itself — rugged beginnings, relentless work, and an enduring belief in the region’s potential. He was part of the small group of dreamers who saw that fishing boats could one day share the bay with luxury yachts, and that Cabo could welcome travelers from all over the world without losing its character.
His passing was confirmed by local media and community leaders, with funeral services scheduled for Wednesday at San Judas Tadeo Church in Cabo San Lucas.
As tributes poured in from hotel owners, politicians, and old friends, one phrase echoed most:
“He helped build Cabo.”
Rest in peace, Don Luis Coppola Joffroy — a true pioneer of Los Cabos.
I am writing because you may wish to check some of your facts as in the first part of your write up you have the wrong Luis Cóppola as it was his father, Don Luis Cóppola Bonillas , my uncle, who started his hotelier career in La Paz investing along w/family in developing Hotel Los Arcos in the ‘50’s & then pioneering in Cabos whose terrain he had surveyed & studied since returning from WWll while flying the mail up & down the peninsula. In Cabos the first hotel he was involved w/ was the original Hotel Cabo San Lucas in Chileno Bay in the ‘60’s & then Finisterra in the ‘70’s when my cousin Luis Cóppola Joffroy was only in his 20’s. Not long ago one of Baja’s newspapers ran an article about the pioneers & their accomplihments including my uncle, Mr. A. Rodriguez, Mr Bud Parr, Mr M. Obregón among others. It was back then that they also dreamed up the Bisbee Tournament. Reading it might give you better insight. The rest of article referring to Luis Cóppola Joffroy’s education & personal accomplishments l’m sure you obtained from a reliable source &/or family so that they are accurate.