Introduction to Puebla’s Meeting Tourism Growth
Puebla, Pue., is solidifying its position as a leading national and international destination for meeting tourism with the inauguration of the XXXI Congress of the National Meetings Industry (CNIR). The event, taking place from September 24 to 26 at the Puebla Expo Center, will gather leaders, experts, and state representatives.
Importance of Meeting Tourism for Puebla
According to Carlos Márquez Pérez, the state’s Undersecretary of Tourism Development, meeting tourism is strategically important for Puebla as it helps improve seasonality and increase income. He highlighted that Puebla’s strength lies in its infrastructure, being the fourth metropolitan area in the country, combined with intangible factors like culture, gastronomy, history, and the warmth of its people.
The Role of the Mexican Council of Meetings Industry (COMIR)
The Mexican Council of Meetings Industry (COMIR), which brings together 16 tourism associations, demonstrates unity and representation of the sector. As stated by outgoing president Michelle Wohlmuth, business attendees spend four times more than leisure tourists, generating greater economic impact, knowledge, infrastructure improvements, and better-trained talent in destinations.
Key Initiatives and Legacies
Wohlmuth highlighted four initiatives already in operation as part of her legacy:
- Mexican Convention and Congress Bureau: A single point of contact for coordinating destinations, presenting bids with a unified voice, and leveraging market intelligence.
- Destination Enhancement Strategy: A plan to elevate standards, diversify offerings, and professionalize public-private teams to create more competitive and evenly distributed destinations.
- Food Bank: A logistics-simple system to channel food surplus from events to those in need.
- Operational Sustainability Guide: A checklist, metrics, and reports to manage waste, energy, responsible purchases, and accessibility according to international standards.
Pending Issues for Sector Competitiveness
Wohlmuth called for addressing four structural issues that require solutions to boost the sector’s competitiveness after three federal administrations: zero tariffs, visa simplification, customs agility, and industry relevance study update.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the CNIR? The Congress of the National Meetings Industry (CNIR) is a significant event that brings together leaders, experts, and state representatives to discuss and strengthen meeting tourism in Mexico.
- Why is meeting tourism important for Puebla? Meeting tourism contributes to improving seasonality and increasing income for Puebla, leveraging its robust infrastructure and intangible assets like culture, gastronomy, history, and the warmth of its people.
- What does COMIR do? The Mexican Council of Meetings Industry (COMIR) unites 16 tourism associations, representing the sector’s unity and strength to generate greater economic impact and foster responsible, sustainable practices.
- What are the key initiatives from Wohlmuth’s legacy? Four initiatives were implemented during her tenure, including the Mexican Convention and Congress Bureau, a destination enhancement strategy, a food bank system, and an operational sustainability guide.
- What pending issues need attention? After three federal administrations, the sector requires solutions for zero tariffs, visa simplification, customs agility, and updating the industry relevance study to boost competitiveness.
