Mexico City: Aiming to be the Top Destination for Business Tourism

Mexico City’s government is looking to position the city as the top business tourism destination in Latin America.

Mr. Alejandro Rojas Diaz Duran, Secretary of Tourism for Mexico City, mentioned that with the support of the Federal Secretary of Tourism and the Mexico Tourism Board, Mexico City’s Convention and Visitors Bureau Office will begin operating in May 2008, and will be responsible for attracting international events that will bring investment to the capital.

The office will help to increase hotel occupation by eight percent and they estimate that by 2009 this will generate at least 80 million pesos for lodging, food, transportation and event space.

Diaz-Duran highlighted that business tourism, with the organization of meetings, conventions and exhibitions generates an economic benefit six times higher than leisure tourism.

 In addition, Mr. Rojas pointed out the benefits that the Convention and Visitors Bureau Office will bring including more tourism in the future.  Statistically, 40% of people who participate in meetings and conventions in a country are more likely to return and spend leisure time as tourists.

The office will be lead by Mr. Rojas-Diaz and will begin with a budget of 10 million pesos from the Secretary of Tourism and the Mexico Tourism Board.

One of the goals is to hold at least four international conventions by 2010 - Communication and Media Editors, Big Cities Mayors, Education, Science and Technology and Historic and Archeological Centers; as well as 15 national events with an estimated 10,000 participants that will generate 150 million pesos (14.3 million dollars).