Cancún, Quintana Roo — Sport fishing tourism has become one of the highest-spending segments for Quintana Roo, with foreign vessels staying weeks or even months in destinations such as Cancún, Isla Mujeres and Puerto Aventuras to compete in international tournaments.
Francisco Fernández, president of the Nautical Associates of Quintana Roo (ANQR), said the arrival of international anglers has grown about 20 percent thanks to promotion of the Mexican Caribbean in global sport fishing circuits and international associations based in Florida.
Each vessel generates between $15,000 and $30,000 in economic impact during its stay, plus daily spending of up to $3,000 on fuel, maintenance, power, supplies and sightseeing tours in the region, Fernández explained.
He noted that these visitors directly benefit multiple economic sectors: in addition to using marinas and nautical services, they eat at restaurants, shop at markets and stores, and visit archaeological sites in Quintana Roo, making them among the most profitable tourists for the state.
Fernández also announced the 15th edition of the ANQR International Fishing Tournament, scheduled for June 19 and 20 at Marina Hacienda del Mar in Cancún. Organizers expect to attract national and international vessels and award a prize pool of nearly 1 million pesos (about $50,000) in prizes and sponsorships.
