Editorial: Economic, social turmoil could severely test Valley’s tourism industry, economy

The Rio Grande Valley economy is still trying to recover from the major hit is suffered last year when the sugar cane industry announced there wasn’t enough water available for them to keep growing. Citrus farmers and other South Texas agricultural elements similarly reported problems, as lack of rainfall and irrigation water can reduce harvests. The administration’s immigration crackdown also has made finding farmworkers more challenging.

Federal policies threaten to slice into another major part of our regional economy: tourism. With the summer tourism season one month away — its traditional informal start is Memorial Day weekend — analysts predict a significant drop in travel. Despite the allure of the border, SpaceX launches and the beaches on South Padre Island, local restaurants, hotels and stores might see much lower activity — and revenue — than they’ve had since the nation began to recover from the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

It remains to be seen how those elements fared during Semana Santa, which usually brings a healthy boost in activity and revenue, but the surge appears to have been lighter this year.

The reduction in travel already is being felt at the Valley’s airports. As staff writer Fernando del Valle reported in Friday’s editions, local airports reported reductions of 5%-6% in business for the first quarter of this year. Much of the decrease is attributed to fewer passengers from Mexico and other countries. Fewer people are entering this country, as immigration has become more difficult and deterioration in U.S.-Mexico relations has affected tourism.

A reduction in international travel compounds the Valley’s downturn, but the decrease is nationwide. Airlines across the country already are reducing flights due to falling numbers of passengers. They also have declined to issue revenue forecasts for the summer, as constantly changing policies out of Washington have sown uncertainty.

The Valley’s unique features — one of the nation’s top beaches, rocket launches, environmental features and unique cultural atmosphere — often sell themselves. This year, however, those riches might need a little boost. Local businesses, and officials, should step up their efforts to promote South Texas as a tourist destination.

They might even look to use the expected drop in nationwide travel as a selling point, highlighting expected drops in congestion on our roads, in our hotels and restaurants and on our beaches. Announced SpaceX activity can be broadcast more aggressively to attract more people who would like to see a launch firsthand.

Much of that promotion can even remain in the Valley, reminding local residents that they might not see crowds that scare away many of them at the height of the summer tourist season.

Even at this late date, they might still have time to schedule and promote special events such as concerts, bazaars and Independence Day activities.

Expectations of reduced tourism, and the affects it could have on our local economy, can be seen as a cause for dismay or as a challenge that can be overcome. A little creativity, and a lot of work, can help offset the current projections of a possible bad summer for tourism.

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