In 2008, ASUR’s efforts to support local communities were focused on two broad areas: promoting local economic development and providing funding for civil associations that offer social services at the local level.
In recent years, ASUR has put a great deal of effort into raising the profile of the destinations where we operate. We are one of the only private airport groups in the Americas to have a dedicated Route Development team, whose job it is to promote our destinations with the world’s airlines. This brings in more flights to our destinations, and more visitors mean increased revenues for local businesses as well as our airports.
We participate in networking conventions and congresses around the world relating to the airport and tourism industries, often in coordination with the Mexican federal and state tourism authorities, and often cooperate on joint projects with local business groups such as hoteliers’ associations. Furthermore, we have worked to bring a number of high-profile events to our destinations. Chief among these is Routes Americas, the local division of the world’s foremost route development forum, hosted by ASUR in Cancún in 2008 and programmed again for February 2009.
In 2008, the funding that ASUR made available for social assistance organisations was divided between four main areas: public health services, care for people with disabilities, education and culture.
The organisations that received support from ASUR in the healthcare sector included the Mexican Red Cross, a cancer foundation based in Cancún, and another organisation that provides support care for hospitalised children.
Additionally, ASUR supported two different centres for children with disabilities in Cancún, and the Veracruz branch of an organisation for the blind. Donations were also made to a primary school in Huatulco, in the field of education, and to the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra based in Mérida in the field of cultural activity.
Finally, a series of donations were made to an organisation in Veracruz that provides support, counselling and training for women on low incomes.