June 24, 2020

The Chamber co-hosted a webinar focused on the tourism industry to continue promoting binational coordination as businesses begin to open. Entities from both sides of the border talked about the economic impact of COVID-19 and shared best practices as they begin to resume operations. Travel restrictions continue to be one of the main challenges for businesses, and participants shared the urgency to collaboratively follow health protocols, mitigate the spread of the virus, and ease restrictions at the border. Results from a recent survey on the economic impact of COVID-19 on Baja’s business community are available here (in Spanish).

Industry businesses and public spaces including restaurants, hotels, parks, and outdoor recreational centers are now open in the Cities of Tijuana and Ensenada. Companies are required to obtain a COVID-19-Free Work Spaces certification through Baja’s State government and comply with a list of precautionary measures including limiting access to 25% of their capacity. Local authorities are conducting inspections to ensure establishments comply with health protocols. For San Diego specific reopening guidelines and financial resources from city ,state or federal authorities, please visit the San Diego Tourism Authority’s blog and website.

As we prepare for the July 1 implementation date of the new trade agreement, the Chamber along with the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana, and the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles will host a discussion on the treaty’s benefits and economic opportunities for our binational region. This forum will take place Tuesday, June 30 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Registration is open now.