First time the city hosted the annual show
IAN STALKER
Mexican tourism authorities used a very old location as a new venue to showcase the country’s tourism trade.
Mexico City — built where an Aztec capital once stood — hosted the country’s annual tourism show of Tianguis Turístico in late March, the first time the capital city has staged the largest travel conference in Mexico.
“We are pleased to welcome industry representatives from all over the world to Tianguis Turístico. Known as the most important tourism fair in Latin America, Tianguis is celebrated in Mexico City for the first time,” Miguel Torruco Marqués, Mexico’s secretary of tourism, said on the eve of the show. “Mexico is a mosaic of history, culture, tradition, folklore and gastronomy. This event highlights our robust tourism offerings, which include our beaches, mountains, World Heritage Sites, protected natural areas, and 132 Magic Towns (Pueblos Mágicos)”.
Mexico City is home to more than 172 museums and archaeological sites, shopping malls, unique architectural sights and other attractions.
This year’s event — the 47th edition of the show — saw over 2,000 buyers – including tour operators and travel agencies from more than 70 countries – hold business meetings with close to 2,000 exhibitors, suggesting Mexican tourism’s recovery from Covid is complete.
Mexican tourism authorities have long been urging those visiting the country to diversify their vacations, rather than spend them entirely at beach destinations. Mexico City tourism authorities say their city can provide an intriguing vacation for foreign tourists.
“Mexico City is a destination that offers visitors a unique and unparalleled experience. From its rich history to its vibrant culture and its delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone in this city,” said Nathalie Veronique Desplas, Mexico City’s minister of tourism. “Visitors can explore ancient pyramids, visit world-class museums, shop at traditional markets, and enjoy the nightlife. In addition, Mexico City is a hub for business and commerce, making it a great place for both leisure and business travellers. We invite you to come and discover all that Mexico City has to offer.”
In addition to its cultural offerings, the city has also upgraded 16 public parks, providing more than 8,600 miles of green areas and soon to be the world’s biggest Photovoltaic Power Plant, which will benefit more than 440,000 residents a day.
Most recently, Mexico City garnered the World Green City Award for 2022 in part in commemoration of its expansion and improvement of public transportation and more than 800 miles in bicycle lanes that cross the city, turning the Mexican capital into an interconnected destination. The city also has a robust public transportation system.
Tourism authorities also note that Mexico City has unique experiences, such as the Chapultepec Castle, the only castle in the country, as well as several internationally known areas, such as Polanco, Roma and Condesa.
Among Canadians who attended Tianguis was Juan Carlos Jouvin of Toronto’s Polo Travel, who praised the attendance of senior tourism authorities. “I noticed at Tianguis that all the governors of all the states of Mexico were present. Also the secretary of tourism was present in every event. I have never seen this in Canada.”
Consuelo Millier of Toronto’s Trip Support thought the convention centre that served as the show venue was a good choice and was impressed by the “amazing” city of Zacatecas, which she visited on a post-Tianguis trip.
Ethel Hansen Davey of Uniglobe Enterprise Travel in Toronto said she thought Mexico City would have been a great venue but found the city’s notoriously bad traffic made getting to and from the show a challenge.
Next year’s show will return to Acapulco.
