Uniting Mexican suppliers again for the benefit of the travel trade community
A man who has served as a director of the now-shuttered Mexico Tourism Board offices in Montreal and Toronto hopes to further heighten his homeland’s tourism presence in this country following Quebec and Ontario road shows that enabled a cross-section of Mexican suppliers to meet with travel agents in three cities.
Cesar Castaneda oversaw the staging of the mid-September trade shows in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, each of which drew hoteliers, destination reps and attractions personnel, and were likely the largest events devoted entirely to Mexico in the two provinces in some years.
And Castaneda, well remembered by the travel agent community in this country, says he’s eyeing further opportunities for agents and those in Mexican tourism to connect.
The Mexican government closed all tourism board offices five years ago, opting to turn over tourism promotions to Mexican diplomatic missions. Critics say the move has dramatically reduced Mexican tourism promotion in this country, with Mexican embassies and consulates devoting more attention to the likes of trade issues than tourism.
“It’s (the trade shows) undoubtedly an important event, and hopefully we will continue to increase the Mexican presence in Canada in the coming months and years,” Castaneda said after the shows. “There is a need for information, contact and sales support. Many travel agents in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto told us that they really appreciated the events and having contact with Mexican companies and destinations.”
Castaneda said he thinks the trio of shows was “very useful, since agents met with key suppliers and Mexican destinations that are very important for their business.”
Despite the closure of the tourist offices, Mexico remains hugely popular in this country.
Among those who attended the Montreal show was Stephen Pickford, former long-time owner of Montreal-area Aladdin Travel agency and who remains a keen observer of the travel industry, thanks to his role as cohost of syndicated radio show Travel World Radio Show. He said the show went well, despite not having been organized by a tourist board office. Pickford — who last visited Mexico in January, 2020 — used the event to speak to about 10 suppliers.
The Toronto event was applauded by Ethel Hansen Davey of Uniglobe Enterprise Travel, who noted it was followed the day after by a separate presentation on the Baja California destination of La Paz.
“Today’s (Sept. 13’s) update lunch with La Paz was a valuable opportunity to be refreshed on a very special place in most Canadians’ favourite vacation destination country — Mexico,” she stated. She added the previous day’s event showcased much of Mexico.
“Being a surprisingly large country, each part of Mexico offers unique topology and agriculture and as a result unique scenery, activity and dining,” Hansen Davey said. “Keeping current with each of these diverse parts of Mexico is a series of tasks since each region of Mexico has their own tourism department. In the past, Mexico maintained an umbrella tourism department that allowed the Canadian tourism industry to keep current and serve our clients efficiently. With the disbanding of the umbrella organization, it pushed costs to each region and made it more difficult to be aware of changes in each region. It would be nice to have that organization back but Mexico is always worth it and we value the investments of time, energy and enthusiasm by our industry partners in Mexico.”
Paul Nielsen of Toronto’s Paragon Travel agency also welcomed the Sept. 12 and 13 Mexico events. “Yesterday’s (Sept. 13’s) event was informative and well presented, highlighting the region of Baja California Sur’s capital region of La Paz,” he continued. “This is a region of Mexico that is so amazing for adventure travel and with the development of the new Chable resort, great for wellness retreats. The removal of the Mexican Tourism Board was a big hit to travel agents looking to expand their offerings to clients that may be looking for something more interesting than the cookie-cutter all-inclusive resorts that have come to be seen as all that Mexico has to offer. Mexico is so much more.”
Nielsen said he’d welcome seeing FIT tour operators offer some trips to La Paz, with the flexibility to choose flights into La Paz via Mexico City on Aeromexico, or with direct flights into Los Cabos, “with transportation for the long drive to La Paz.”
“I can see it being viable for some, like TravelGenie at TravelBrands, or Goway, or Indus, just to mention a few,” Nielsen added. “So much of Baja California Sur is protected space, so it appeals to adventure travellers and those that are concerned with ensuring that their trips respect the ecosystems and are sustainable. Consider offering La Paz to your clients. They’ll thank you for it.”
Also sold on La Paz was Allana Haines of Ontario’s Creative Travel & Tours, “With direct flights from Toronto to Los Cabos and only a 2-hour drive to La Paz, this opens up a whole new area for Canadians,” she said. “Enjoy a stay at one of the all-inclusive resorts of Cabo and then escape to La Paz to experience real Mexican culture. If you’re looking for adventure, try swimming with the whale sharks or sea lions; hike the mountains surrounding Mexico’s most beautiful beach, Balandra Bay, or join UnCruise Adventures for a small-ship journey along the Sea of Cortez. Adventure, wildlife, relaxation and impressive culinary options. There’s something for everyone in La Paz.”
—IAN STALKER
