Monterey Wharf businesses prepare for Spring Crowds Amid Concerns Over Trade Tariffs

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) --As the first day of spring ushers in the busy season, local businesses are gearing up to welcome large crowds. However, with ongoing tariffs on neighboring countries, including Mexico and Canada, some are bracing for potentially lower-than-expected turnout.

Emily Melcourt, a local resident, observed the situation firsthand. "Maybe seasonally accurate, but it was definitely empty on the wharf today. I would expect to see a few more. It’s spring break," she said.

A recent report from the 2024 Visitor Profile Study by See Monterey reveals that Mexico and Canada are the top two contributors to the region’s tourism economy. These countries significantly impact the local market, particularly during peak seasons like spring break.

According to See Monterey, the tourism industry generates $3 billion annually for Monterey County. In a statement, they acknowledged that while it is too early to see any measurable impact from the tariffs, the region remains somewhat insulated from major disruptions.

Thierry Croquet, co-owner of Crepes and Brittany at the Monterey Wharf, shared his perspective. "I don’t think there’s any significant change, especially in this immediate time. I do believe we might feel it a little bit at some point, but I think it’s what I would call the beginning of the birth pains," Croquet said. "We’re going to need to probably feel that a little bit, but what’s going to take place is we do need to create jobs."

Croquet, who has owned businesses at the Wharf for 13 years, recently expanded with a new restaurant in Texas. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic, calling the current difficulties “necessary burdens.” He added, “Inflation is seen and felt the most, I think, here. And eggs are one of those, staffing, we have quite a bit of staffing. So how much we have to pay our staff and how we pay them, and all the benefits that we have to provide, some of those inflation costs have really affected us. And unfortunately, yes, we have raised some of our prices a little bit and passed it onto the consumer.”

Local residents, while hopeful that their favorite restaurants won’t close due to these challenges, are still feeling the pinch. Bryan Cardenas, a Monterey resident, noted, "I think that, you know, with a little bit of tax inflation, it does kind of affect businesses locally because now, depending on the weather and the days, there are customers that come and customers that don't."

As the region adapts to these evolving economic conditions, See Monterey continues to engage with industry partners, inviting them to share their insights on Phase One of the Regional Strategic Tourism Plan.

With spring in full swing, local businesses remain hopeful that the season’s crowds, coupled with a carefully managed strategy, will help weather the storm of rising costs and tariffs.