From the Publisher's Desk April 2004

From the Publisher's Desk

We Cannot Afford Complacency

It has come to our attention that a two-page Spanish language denunciation of the Pacific Pearl has been sent to the Pacific Pearl´s advertisers. The writer of this open letter does not honor his words with a name or signature, but instead hides behind anonymity.

The writer takes issue with, particularly, the opinions and facts stated in the editorial entitled “From the Publisher´s Desk – Who´s in Charge?” printed in our March 2004 issue. In this editorial, we discussed the lack of commitment of leaders in the city to address problems which specifically affect foreign tourists and businesses. Interestingly, the writer did not rebut the opinion or facts contained in the editorial, but took issue with our “right” to state them. According to the writer, by bringing to light and discussing what we see as the causes of declining tourism in Mazatlán, the Pacific Pearl and specifically the Publisher, are promoting a “disagreeable impression” of Mazatlán as a tourist destination. In fact, our editorial is in agreement with what the local Spanish language newspapers have been saying for the past year.

The anonymous writer of this letter complains loudly that, by asking city and government department heads to rectify specific examples of what in our opinion are the roots of falling foreign business and tourism in Mazatlán, we are being disrespectful of everyone from the President down. It was not our intention to show disrespect. It was our intention to voice the concerns of tourists who speak and write to us on a daily basis.

The Pacific Pearl Magazine is the only dedicated English language magazine for tourists and local foreign residents in Mazatlán. It is as vulnerable as every hotel, restaurant, tour operator, transportation company, arts & crafts store and beach vendor in the city to the loss of tourism dollars. We are all looking for a solution to maintain our livelihoods. If we do not discuss cause and effect remedies, we will not improve our chances of attracting more tourists.

We are proud of our city, proud of our magazine, proud of our advertisers who are honest, hardworking business people. The city of Mazatlán has so much to offer. We cannot afford to be complacent in finding a way to make it an attractive destination for international tourists.

(Text of the anonymous letter in Spanish and its English translation can be viewed on our website at www.pacificpearl.com.)

Michael J. Veselik

Publisher