Introduction to Puebla’s Convention Tourism Growth
Puebla, a city in Mexico, has experienced significant growth in its convention tourism sector. In 2025, this industry generated an impressive 395.6 million pesos in economic impact for the city of Puebla from January to November, marking a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Jaime Oropeza Casas, Secretary of Economy and Tourism of Angelópolis, highlighted this positive development.
Increase in Convention Attendees and Events
During the first 11 months of 2025, Puebla hosted 54 events that attracted a total of 168,947 attendees. This figure represents a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The previous administration left these events, and the current team enhanced their promotion in collaboration with hoteliers to offer special rates for participants.
Importance of Hoteliers’ Support
Oropeza Casas emphasized the crucial role of hoteliers and other service providers in ensuring the success of conferences. Their willingness to maintain competitive prices is essential for attracting more attendees. Some notable events in Puebla include Smart City Expo LATAM, LVI International Congress of the Mexican Society of Angiology, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Cinco de Mayo Week, and Latino Gastronomic Festival.
Future Goals and Plans
Oropeza Casas stated that the remaining two years of the current municipal administration will focus on regaining Puebla’s prominence as a hub for national conferences, which were lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic and insufficient promotion as a conference venue. Before the pandemic, Puebla organized over 100 conferences annually.
The Secretary of Economy and Tourism is currently working to attract events scheduled for 2027, as that is how the convention tourism sector functions. Although there are around 60 events planned for the current year, with the municipal administration’s intervention to finalize them, there is still work to be done.
Oropeza Casas explained that organizing national events requires a minimum of two years’ preparation. Some organizers may commit to hosting events in another city alongside Puebla for two consecutive editions. The events planned for 2026 will ensure an influx of more convention attendees, who often extend their stays to explore other nearby tourist attractions in the conurbation.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the economic impact of Puebla’s convention tourism in 2025? By November 2025, the convention tourism sector generated approximately 395.6 million pesos in economic impact for the city of Puebla, marking a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
- How many events were held in Puebla in 2025, and how many attendees did they attract? During the first 11 months of 2025, Puebla hosted 54 events that attracted a total of 168,947 attendees, representing a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
- What role do hoteliers play in Puebla’s convention tourism? Hoteliers’ willingness to maintain competitive prices is crucial for attracting more convention attendees. Their support, along with collaboration with the municipal administration, has been essential in enhancing Puebla’s convention tourism sector.
- What are the future goals for Puebla’s convention tourism? The current municipal administration aims to regain Puebla’s prominence as a hub for national conferences, which were lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic and insufficient promotion. They plan to attract events scheduled for 2027, working with a minimum of two years’ preparation for national events.
- How do convention attendees contribute to Puebla’s tourism? Convention attendees often extend their stays to explore other nearby tourist attractions in the conurbation, benefiting Puebla’s overall tourism sector.
