Aerobalam’s Launch and OCV’s Growth
In May, Aerobalam, a regional airline, was launched to boost Chiapas’ tourism sector. The Office of Conventions and Visitors (OCV) in Chiapas has reported a surge in the meetings segment post-pandemic, with a 60% increase from January to date. During this period, 31 events have been attended, and nine are confirmed for 2026 and 2027, primarily from the medical sector.
Elsa Osuna Ruiz’s Insights
In an interview, Elsa Osuna Ruiz, the promotion executive of the OCV, highlighted that they aim to double their growth. However, she acknowledged the need for new infrastructure to compete with destinations like Guadalajara or Monterrey, which can accommodate large-scale events. Currently, Chiapas can host events of up to 1,500 attendees.
Active Promotion and Event Participation
Since the new state administration began in December 2024, active promotion in trade fairs has been crucial for the sector’s recovery. Osuna Ruiz mentioned, “We are seeing the change, and we are seeing participation in events.”
OCV’s Appeal to Event Organizers
The OCV, operating with its own resources, encourages event organizers to consider Chiapas as an ideal destination. Osuna Ruiz emphasized this during the XXXI edition of the National Convention Industry Council (CNIR) in Puebla.
Promoting Chiapas’ Five Destinations
The Centro de Convenciones y Polyforum Chiapas aims to promote the five destinations for Chiapas’ meetings industry in the municipalities of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Comitán, Palenque, and Tapachula. The goal is to establish Chiapas as a competitive destination.
Need for a New Exhibition Center
There is a request from the tourism supply side for constructing a new exhibition center in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, which would enable hosting events with higher requirements.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current state of Chiapas’ tourism sector? The sector has seen a 60% increase in events from January to date, with 31 events attended and nine confirmed for 2026 and 2027, mainly from the medical sector.
- Who is Elsa Osuna Ruiz and why is she relevant? Elsa Osuna Ruiz is the promotion executive of the Office of Conventions and Visitors (OCV) in Chiapas. She has been instrumental in the sector’s recovery and growth, emphasizing the need for new infrastructure to compete with other destinations.
- What are the five destinations promoted by the OCV? The five destinations are Tuxtla Gutiérrez, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Comitán, Palenque, and Tapachula, aimed at positioning Chiapas as a competitive destination for meetings and events.
- Why is there a need for a new exhibition center in Tuxtla Gutiérrez? There is a request from the tourism supply side for a new exhibition center to accommodate events with higher requirements.
