Mexico’s tourism growth threatens local wine businesses

According to the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) data, Mexico is the 35th worldwide wine producer. But, as winemaker Pau Pijoan explains, the tourist influx in the region led to an uncontrollable growth of the hospitality industry directly impacting the wine sector.

“When I bought land, there were 15 to 18 wine producers. Today, there are more than 200. We are responsible for this brutal and disorderly growth typical of Mexico,” he commented.

Heavy tourism and climate change are being held accountable for the concerns of producers in the Guadalupe Valley, as the region annually delivers three-quarters of the wine in the country.

So the recently launched “Let’s save the valley” campaign directly targets entertainment and leisure venues in order to increase awareness that their activities can severely impact grape production, including special Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay varieties.

“Something very curious is happening in the valley: an agricultural activity is combining with a tourist activity, which does not always happen. [...]

“Between 2014 and 2019, we lost 18 percent of agricultural land. If we continue on this trend, in 2037 there will be no more arable land”, added Keiko Nishikawa, representative of the Santo Tomas vineyard.

However, besides the increasing tourist influx, there are also other reasons that can be held accountable for the decline in the businesses of wine producers in Mexico, such as water scarcity in the region, the war in Ukraine, high electricity costs, and rising inflation, following a pandemic period which benefited the wine industry, especially if looking at the online sales segment.

On the other hand, OIV’s director general Pau Roca, is more optimistic and relies on new technologies such as machine learning and other types of artificial intelligence, allowing wine producers face the upcoming economic and climatic challenges.

These comments come in addition of the 43rd World Congress of Vine and Wine hosted by Mexico in Baja California, starting November 7.

 

Source: hurriyetdailynews.com