Laredo Chamber of Commerce officials are optimistic about reopening bridges to non-essential travel from November 8, but called on merchants to do their part to attract visitors.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, fully vaccinated travelers from Canada and Mexico may enter the United States for non-essential purposes, such as visiting friends and family, or tourism.
Governments can open country doors to travelers, but it is up to us, as business owners, to bring these travelers through our business doors. We cannot assume that trade will flow to us by default. It is up to us, as retailers and providers of goods and services, to take advantage of this moment. We must do all outreach and promotion efforts to ensure these consumers choose Laredo over any other city, said Michael Marasco, President of the Chamber of Commerce.
He stressed that this authority commends the decision to reopen the borders and welcomes those who waited for a long time to meet the needs of consumers.
He explained that as a border city, the importance and economic impact of this announcement is clear, as businesses in Texas border cities have felt the brunt of the financial wrath of the global pandemic.
Reports show that retail sales in Texas border cities have fallen 60% since the border closed. He said Minister Mayorcas’ announcement this week is a step in rebuilding what has been lost.
In a statement, Chamber of Commerce officials noted that while this week’s announcement generates more optimism, what it does not provide is a guaranteed prospect of further consumption.
Over the next several weeks, businesses and the entire community were invited to reflect on how they could take this opportunity together to rebuild and reshape the city’s economy.
Let’s also think about stocks and how we can prepare for the holiday season. And finally, let’s come together, to make sure that cooperation leads to the results of the economic recovery that we have been so desperately seeking for the past nineteen months. They said the House is here to support members and non-members alike.
