Rebuilding Acapulco: Overcoming Hurricane Otis and Violent Crime

Acapulco, once a popular tourist destination, has been hit hard by Hurricane Otis, exacerbating the city's existing struggles with violent crime and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hurricane caused extensive damage to hotels, condominiums, and restaurants, leaving the tourism industry in ruins. With the costs of rebuilding estimated at $10 billion, government officials and tourism industry leaders are hopeful that the reconstruction process can be an opportunity to revitalize and rebrand Acapulco as a premier tourist destination. However, analysts warn that organized criminal groups may take advantage of the situation, both in the short term by providing assistance to attract supporters and in the long term by laundering and investing money. The city's residents are facing desperate conditions, with many still without power or running water, and fears are growing that the pressing need for income may drive more people, particularly young men, into criminal organizations.