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San Diego officials see Mazatlán poised for cruise recovery

San Diego officials see Mazatlán poised for cruise recovery
Officials from the Port of San Diego, the Sportfishing Association of California and the San Diego Port Tenants Association said Mazatlán is revitalized, safe and ready to revive as a cruise destination following a joint trade mission to the Mexican city and port of Mazatlán.

The Pacific ports in Southern California and Mexico represent a region of business opportunity. Shared areas of interest include cruise shipping, product shipping, yachting, marine recreation and tourism. The purpose of the trade mission was to promote and restore maritime, commerce and tourism trade.

The Port of San Diego participated to establish communications directly between the leadership of the two ports on a government and business level. Subjects discussed included cruise destinations, visitor safety and maritime business opportunities. The trade mission included a tour of the city and its cruise ship terminal, as well as the public safety facilities of the Mazatlán Police Department.

'It was a delight to see how well the leadership of Mazatlán have renewed and revitalized this lovely city,' Port of San Diego chairman Dan Malcolm said. 'The beaches, restaurants and hotels were immaculate, and the beachfront boardwalk had a lively atmosphere, with artwork, fountains and palm trees. The Port of Mazatlán has all the facilities needed to serve cruise ships and visiting yachts.

'Most importantly,' he added, 'the people of Mazatlan were friendly and welcoming.'

'This port is poised to restore its status as a marine recreation and cruise ship destination. It's clean, safe and customer-friendly,' said Ken Franke, president of the Sportfishing Association of California. 'We were especially impressed with the measures taken to enhance public safety and ensure that visitors to Mazatlán have a safe experience to remember.'

The trip was organized by the Sportfishing Association of California, a marine industry association representing tourist companies from throughout Southern California and Mexico. The group is seeking to enhance US-Mexico trade, specifically in marine recreation in the form of diving, sportfishing, yachting events and general maritime business.

The delegates met with Mazatlán Mayor Carlos Felton, Sinaloa state Tourism Secretary Frank Cordova, API Mazatlán general director Alfonso Gil Diaz and other members of the government of the Sinaloa state.