An international airport, more than 6000 hotel rooms and the magnificent “Yucatan Siglo XXI” Convention Center stand out, making it a first class destination for meetings, The City of Merida is the capital of Yucatan and the economic and cultural center of Southeastern México. Merida, known also as “the White City,” is considered the cultural and tourist capital of the Mayan World and is near to the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, small towns with colonial flavor, and the most important archeological sites of the Mayan culture: Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Mayapán, Ek Balam, Dzibichaltun and Kabah. The Yucatan Peninsula faces the southern coast of the United States. Texas, and Florida are just 90 minutes by plane from Merida International Airport.
The “Yucatan Siglo XXI” Convention Center is located north of Merida, just 20 minutes from the airport, 15 minutes from downtown and 10 minutes from all major hotels. This recently renovated building evokes the greatness of the ancient Maya architecture. The complex has a total surface of 84000 square meters with parking for 1500 cars and 70 buses. It has a total of 20,000 square meters under one roof, including the Convention Room with a capacity of 6,500 people, Exposition Hall, Press Room, 6 Movie theaters and Service areas.
Some historic buildings in the city can also serve as venues for dynamic conferences, cocktails and other activities, according to their size and intentions of the organizers, among others Theaters Jose Peon Contreras, Armando Manzanero, the Olimpo Cultural Center, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Museum of the Yucatan Song.
Every night, the city dresses up some of its most representative sites as the Municipal Santa Lucia’s Park and Santiago’s Park with regional folkloric events: traditional dancers, singers, big bands, trovadours, Mexican nights and parades that form the mosaic of colors and rhythms that can be enjoyed for free.
Colonial cities like Valladolid and Izamal, ecological reserves like Celestun and nearby beaches like Progreso, Telchac and Sisal seek the most varied adventures contemplative, natural and water, plus the unique and unrepeatable opportunity of swimming in cenotes, sacred mouths of Mayan mysticism. In all these places you can taste the fascinating Yucatan gastronomy and enjoy equally exquisite handicrafts.
The heyday of the henequen industry in the late 1800 led to the construction of many haciendas whose beauty and elegance continue to captivate. Today, some of them have been transformed into exclusive restaurants and hotels. Nowadays, Merida provides the charm of a city which has perfectly combined its colonial past with a modern and dynamic infrastructure. Yucatan population is kind, hospitable people who have strong roots and traditions. As any of the main tourist destinations worldwide, Merida has developed first class golf courses in the most comfortable and luxurious premises.
Merida is a friendly and secure destination. You can walk through their streets at any hour day and night without any risk. That’s why high profile groups like: Young President Organization, the International Union of Credit Investments Insurers and Bankers Association have chosen Merida as a destination of their conventions. Important world organizations like the United Nations have decided to hold their ministerial and state chiefs events in our city.
Lic. Ivonne Erosa Serrano
Director
Conventions and Visitors Bureau of Yucatan
Tel. +52 999 942 1953 al 55
ivonne.erosa@yucatan.gob.mx
www.yucatan.travel
2012 Year of the Maya Culture
