Venezuela Restricts Beach Access in La Guaira Post-Earthquake, Eyes Tourism Worker Support

Access to beaches in Venezuela's La Guaira state remains restricted over a month after a significant double earthquake, as authorities prioritize safety and recovery efforts. Governor José Alejandro Terán announced that the use of bathing areas is limited, emphasizing that the decision is based on rational assessment following the tremors.

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The use of bathing areas is restricted, I say this responsibly, the use of bathing areas is restricted, and I repeat, this is done obeying reason.

Terán indicated that tourist areas like Macuto and Caraballeda, which suffered heavy casualties, are unlikely to reopen for tourism in the near future. However, he assured that service providers in the sector will be permitted to work on adapting and improving the beaches. This initiative is part of a three-day business event in La Guaira, designed to expedite requests from local merchants and entrepreneurs.

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I do not see a tourist area in the short term in sectors like Macuto or Caraballeda where so many people died.

Minister of Tourism Daniela Cabello acknowledged that large-scale tourism is not feasible yet but stressed the importance of supporting those whose livelihoods depend on the industry. She highlighted communities like Chuspa, which experienced less structural damage, and addressed the concern of sustaining families reliant on tourism when visitors have ceased to arrive.

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It is too soon to talk about mass tourism in La Guaira, but it is important to defend those who need to work to get ahead.

Cabello met with various tourism stakeholders, including innkeepers, boat owners, and service providers, to discuss their needs. She noted the national solidarity shown after the earthquake and stated that this support remains crucial, albeit in a different form. Officials are proceeding cautiously, acknowledging the ongoing pain and the fact that normalcy has not yet returned. August typically marks peak season for La Guaira, usually attracting nearly two million visitors, but the earthquake's impact, which has claimed at least 6,301 lives according to the latest official report, has drastically altered this reality.

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La Guaira also has towns like Chuspa, where the structural impact was not of the same magnitude and where today there is another concern: how to sustain the families who live from tourism if the visitors have stopped coming?