Faced with the increasing number of tourists arriving in Tampico every weekend, organized business leaders are promoting a comprehensive project to transform the Historic Center into an “open-air shopping mall,” with improvements to the city’s appearance, lighting, roads, and commercial organization in anticipation of the upcoming summer vacation season.
The president of the Tampico National Chamber of Commerce (Canaco), Eduardo Manzur Manzur, stated that they are working on proposals focused on improving services and infrastructure in the city’s central area, prioritizing the 12 blocks of the Historic Center.
“We are working on improvements for the Historic Center, with programs for pothole repair, street lighting, and other services; we are requesting that at least the 12 blocks of the city’s central area be prioritized,” he said.
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He indicated that among the main needs are street rehabilitation through pothole repair programs, improved street lighting, the installation of more trash cans, and the replacement of damaged manhole covers, as well as repainting sidewalks and curbs.
The business leader emphasized the urgent need to strengthen traffic and commercial regulation in the city center, especially regarding informal and formal businesses that encroach on sidewalks and awnings.
He explained that they are seeking to implement a model similar to an “open-air shopping center,” with clear rules for business operations, including improvements to the appearance of establishments and regulations to prevent furniture or merchandise from obstructing pedestrian traffic.
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“What we want is to treat the Historic Center as an open-air shopping center, with rules and a better image for all businesses,” he stated.
Among the proposals is the establishment of coordinated opening and closing times for businesses, with the aim of revitalizing the city center for longer periods and creating a better experience for visitors and consumers.
He mentioned that another problem identified is the inadequacy of public transportation, especially during peak hours, in addition to the excessive noise from loudspeakers at some establishments.
Eduardo Manzur commented that all these concerns have already been raised with the new director of the Historic Center, David Granados, as well as with the mayor of Tampico, Mónica Villarreal Anaya.
“We are seeing a significant increase in charter buses, which reflects the growing number of visitors; therefore, it is necessary to unify the city’s identity with new improvements,” he emphasized.
He stressed that these actions are necessary in anticipation of the upcoming summer vacation season, as the number of tourists arriving in Tampico increases every weekend.
Source: oem
