Puerto Penasco leader offers to serve as Arizona liaison, urges closer tourism and trade ties
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Summary
Alan Renteria, a Puerto Penasco council member and president of the town's Chamber of Commerce, told the Arizona House International Trade Committee that closer coordination, a local liaison and regular briefings would improve visitor safety and boost bi‑national tourism and commerce.
Alan Renteria, a council member of Puerto Penasco and president of the Chamber of Commerce of Puerto Penasco, told the Arizona House Committee on International Trade that he wants to serve as “an on‑the‑ground liaison” to help Arizonans and Puerto Penasco officials resolve cross‑border safety, property and visitor issues.
“I’m here with a practical offer. I want to serve as your on the ground liaison in Puerto Penasco so you can deliver clear concrete results to the people you represent,” Renteria told the committee during a presentation that included a short promotional video for Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco). He said Puerto Penasco welcomes more than 2,200,000 visitors a year and that about 60% of those visitors come from the United States, with Arizona listed among the top markets.
Renteria framed the proposal as a public‑service measure to give Arizonans a reliable contact for emergencies, lost documents, safety complaints and property questions. He recommended an “Arizona liaison channel,” regular structured briefings for legislative offices and visitor support materials that would clarify who to contact and what services are available to seasonal residents and homeowners.
The presentation emphasized both tourism and longer‑term investment. Renteria cited recent large photovoltaic projects in the area as evidence of growing commercial investment and suggested that stronger coordination could support shipping or cargo connections to Arizona as the state’s industry demand grows.
During questions from members, Representative Wilmoth asked whether a proposed cruise port remains active. Renteria said the project had started years ago but stalled for legal reasons; Sonora and federal authorities are reportedly working on upgrades and he said a cargo port would make commercial sense for the region. “The project is not active at the moment, but they have announced that they want to finish that project in Puerto Penasco,” he said.
Members also discussed education and science ties. Representative Travers thanked Renteria for supporting student field trips and medical internships, and Renteria said clinics in Puerto Penasco bring interns and volunteers from Arizona universities. On the fishing industry, Renteria told the committee he estimates “25% of the Rocky Point economy is still depending on the fishing” sector and called for clearer binational regulation and federal support to help the industry grow.
Renteria closed by reiterating his availability: he said he would set up a working channel with legislative offices and invited members to visit Rocky Point. The committee did not take formal action on the presentation; Renteria was thanked and the committee moved on to bill business.
