Mexico’s efforts to attract more meetings and conventions became more evident with the opening of a Washington, DC, office, according to Eduardo Chaillo, regional director of North America of the Mexico Tourism Board.
“We want to promote Mexico as an ideal destination for meetings and conventions, and the DC area has 5,000 offices of associations. It’s very concentrated,” said Mr Chaillo.
Mexico already has nine other US offices. In volume, the Los Angeles office is the busiest, Mr Chaillo said.
Mr Chaillo is promoting Mexico’s diversity. Conventions can range from smaller groups to more than 3,000 delegates in Mexico City.
Cancun, which receives more international flights than even Mexico City, is a particularly promising candidate for more conventions.
“What is nice for us is that most American cities are increasing flights to Mexico,” said Mr Chaillo.
One of Mexico’s attractions for meeting-goers is that it’s a year-round destination.
“We call it value, not cheaper, in terms of what you get. And I think our main asset in Mexico is the people, the warmth of the people. We have a service-oriented atmosphere. We’re always willing to help,” he said
The meetings market that makes up 17% of the total tourist market (83% is leisure) is steadily growing, he said.
Report by David Wilkening
