The numbers of tourists and visitors to Ciudad Juarez over the past two years has declined, causing concern for merchants and business officials. The result is a new plan to revitalize the center of Juarez and the Pronaf zone. The plan, titled "Ciudad Juarez Door to Mexico" would create a Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) on a par with the best cities in the world. It includes the remodeling of the city center, estimated at $52.5 million pesos, the reconstruction of Ave. 16 de Septiembre, Ave. Juarez, and Vicente Guerrero streets as well as the remodeling of streets and plazas in the Pronaf zone, estimated at $12 million pesos. In addition, the project calls for new infrastructure, fixing up building fronts and construction of parking lots throughout the two areas. The total cost is estimated at $1.4 billion pesos, including private sector investment.
The proposal presented by Canaco, the local chamber of commerce, lists the lack of natural attractions in Juarez as a contributing factor to the decline in tourists and visitors. It was presented to the Secretary of Tourism, Silvia Hernandez in the state capitol, Ciudad Chihuahua. The Secretary has committee herself to supporting the plan, but despite her support, it will take cooperation from municipal, state and federal authorities as well as private sector support and, most importantly, federal loans and private donations to begin. Felipe Siquieros, director of the Municipal Planning Institute (IMIP) in Juarez noted that, despite local enthusiasm for the plan, there is only a small possibility of federal participation any time soon.
Sources: Diario de Juarez, El Norte