Acapulco emerges once again as a beacon of thrill and excitement, proudly hosting for the fourth consecutive year the exhilarating Gran Final del Tour Alrededor del Mundo 2024 de Salto de Base. This audacious affair not only enlivens the local tourism scene but also lures adrenaline aficionados from the far corners of the earth.
This year, a dazzling array of 13 competitors hailing from Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Mexico come together to showcase the breathtaking spectacle of base jumping. This high-stakes sport, wherein individuals leap from towering structures and deploy parachutes to cushion their descent, mesmerizes spectators and participants alike. The visionaries behind this pulsating event — Mayor Dr. Abelina López RodrÃguez, Mtro. Noé Peralta Herrera, the Secretary of Tourism, and Lic. Gerardo Ochoa Amoros, the Director of Fomento a la inversión — have all played pivotal roles in propelling Acapulco into the limelight of extreme sports.
Echoing the gratitude felt by many, Johnny Saavedra, the organizer of this impressive event, stated, “El gobierno Municipal, la maestra Abelina ha tenido la gentileza de recibirnos y arroparnos y apoyar este evento desde el principio de su gestión, le damos las gracias a ella.” His words encapsulate the collaborative ethos that defines this gathering, one that remarkably incurs no direct costs to municipal finances, thus amplifying the benefits for local tourism dramatically.
The implications of this year’s edition extend far beyond mere athletic competition; they radiate into the realm of global promotion. Impressive videos capturing the stunning vistas of Acapulco’s bay during the leaps are poised to captivate audiences worldwide, inciting wanderlust and drawing tourists into the embrace of the region. Secretary Peralta Herrera reaffirmed its significance by stating, “No tiene costo para el erario municipal y resaltó su importancia no solo por la participación de entre 15 y 20 atletas de diversas nacionalidades, sino también por la promoción turÃstica que generan sus videos.”
Ensuring safety amid such exhilarating endeavors is paramount. Alejandro Inzunza RamÃrez, the director of the Center for Tourist Attention and Protection of Acapulco (CAPTA), confirmed that rigorous safety protocols had been meticulously implemented. Lifeguards, paramedics, and coordinated efforts with the Secretary of Public Security, the National Guard, and the Navy ensure a secure environment. “Tenemos todas las medidas pertinentes para que esto salga bien. Queremos invitar a la gente que venga, que venga a este bonito evento el viernes y el sábado,” he fervently encouraged, beckoning tourists to witness the electrifying spectacle.
Set against the backdrop of the iconic La Palapa condominium, participants will launch from dizzying heights, experiencing four heart-stopping seconds of freefall before their parachutes unfurl. For families like Mick’s — who journeyed from overseas with his wife and two daughters — the event embodies more than mere excitement. Mick expressed heartfelt appreciation for the local hospitality: “Gracias por la calidez de la recepción, asà como por el clima agradable y la comida,” beautifully capturing the essence of Acapulco’s charm.
This annual international contest doesn’t merely thrill; it invigorates the local economy, fostering community resilience, especially in the wake of the tempestuous hurricanes Otis and John. Ongoing support from local authorities and the community is instrumental, igniting hope among those rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.
The Gran Final del Tour Alrededor del Mundo 2024 de Salto de Base does more than just spotlight Acapulco as a premier destination for extreme sports; it cements its identity as a vibrant and welcoming hub for tourists. As such events continue to flourish, Acapulco finds itself revitalized, beckoning visitors eager for adventure and the allure of its picturesque coastlines.
