Otis Hurricane Aftermath: 3 Million People Affected, $15 Billion in Potential Losses in Acapulco

While Mexican authorities have confirmed the death of 27 people in Acapulco, material damages and economic losses are projected to take a huge toll on this tropical tourist Mecca.

According to Enki Research, Tropical Storm Otis, which hit Acapulco with 170 MPH winds Tuesday night, was experienced by nearly 3 million people.

The economic damage, the consultancy founded by Chuck Watson, and expert on disaster modeling, said, "is likely approaching $15 billion."

Acapulco is Mexico's most prominent tourism powerhouse. Data from the Ministry of Tourism says that the hospitality industry in this city in the southern state of Guerrero received more than 4.5 million visitors in 2022. This figure doesn't take into account the thousands of national and foreign families who own houses or apartments.

Otis came at a very bad moment for Acapulco as the local industry was planning for the so-called temporada alta or high-season, usually in every year's last quarter.

The city, which is in one of Mexico's most violent states, is in a constant struggle to prove it's safe enough for visitors and locals alike.

According to a report by Tourism Review, recent violence has resulted in a significant decline in reservations or visits.

Just this week, state and federal authorities reported armed attacks resulting in 16 people dead, including a dozen police officers in Coyuca de Benítez, a municipality 20 miles away from Acapulco.