The mayor of Mexico’s colonial city of Guanajuato, has taken a drubbing after he criticized low-spending tourists, saying, “We want the type of visitor who spends more.”
Mayor Alejandro Navarro declared on Monday November 19, that tourists from nearby Mexican cities often arrive in cheap bus tour packages, bringing their own food. He blamed them for creating trash and traffic problems.
Social media users quickly mocked Navarro, posting fake road signs reading “Welcome to Guanajuato, no food or beverage allowed.”
By Wednesday November 21, Navarro was forced to post a taped apology on his Twitter account, saying, “Everyone is welcome … it is not my intention to offend anyone.”
The city of Guanajuato known for its narrow, twisting streets and tunnels, imposing stone colonial buildings and the yearly arts festival Festival Cervantino, has always been a tourist destination that welcome all types of travelers regardless of their social status.
SMT Newsroom