LETTERS

The absence of tourists, what’s to blame?

Editor,

I would like to add another possible reason why the more expensive hotels in particular are experiencing a decrease in tourism (Aug 31, “Where have all the tourists gone?”). Possibly the fomenting of anti-immigrant sentiment in the US for the upcoming presidential campaign is affecting Mexico’s image overall. Many political commentators note that “anti-immigrant” slides over into anti-Mexico and even anti-Mexican-Americans. Joe and Sally Tourist might not consciously think about having to defend their vacation choice to sneering friends and relatives, but it could be a factor.

I also would have liked to see the article cover the lower-end hotels to see if they too are experiencing high vacancy rates. Those who can afford 3,000 pesos a night for a hotel room may spend more money per person throughout town while they’re here, but there are far more people looking for rooms under 600 pesos, and their spending adds up, too.

Carol Schmidt


The interesting article on “Where have the tourists gone” is a great example of head in the sand, blaming everything except the real reason…TRAFFIC. Is this so hard to understand? I’ve lived here going on 14 years and have watched with horror as every year more and more traffic is ruining this gem of a colonial city. I remember visiting Taxco in the 1980s and finding a charming city. Returning five years ago I was horrified...endless traffic. In San Miguel there are so many buses that spew out pollution, cars sitting in traffic spewing out pollution, horns honking, drivers screaming out expletives. There is no point in trying to park downtown; one can circle endlessly. The parking facility recently built on the old soccer field is empty most of the time. A trip by taxi that took five minutes a few years ago now can take 20, with most of that time sitting. 

It’s time for the hotel owners, restaurant owners and other businessmen who rely on tourism to demand some kind of plan for change. If not, we will continue to draw fewer tourists. I love San Miguel and hate to see it decline this way.


Fred House

Editor,

Your August 31 edition laments “Where Have all the Tourists gone?” In the letters to the editor on Page 17, Malcolm Oriano, a frequent visitor to SMA clearly answers that question. A “serious deterioration in the quality of life “ Mr. Oriano writes and goes on to add, a peaceful nights sleep is no longer possible. “Traffic noise, day and night is very disturbing, the pollution even worse” Mr. Oriano continues, “What a terrible way to ruin a beautiful city.” and he concludes that “we might have to find another place soon.”

Do we as full time residents and property taxpayers, also, like Mr. Oriano, need to look for another place soon? Or can we contribute in some way to finding a solution to the problems that the city is facing with excessive traffic causing increased noise and air pollution? 

Imagine walking beside our friends on traffic free cobblestone streets in the historic center instead of teetering precariously, single file, on narrow sidewalks. Imagine inhaling a deep breath of fresh clean air into our lungs instead of exhaust fumes from buses and cars. Imagine sleeping through the whole night without awakening even once by the noise of cars without mufflers and stereos so loud the building vibrates. Other cities in Mexico, our neighbors Querétaro and Guanajuato for example, have resolved the problems of eliminating traffic in their historic centers. Let’s work together to find a solution before the Magic of San Miguel has disappeared for all of us, as Mr. Oriano warns.

Ruth Hayward

Seductive snakes

Editor, 

My thanks to Helen Rivas Rose and to Atención for printing the fun interview, A Blossoming Conversation. There was, however, one glitch. The flower photos identifications were mixed up. I am hoping that no one used the aphrodisiac to treat snake bites. If they did, I would be interested in the outcome. 

Richard Cretcher