Local Leaders Emphasize Importance of Conference and Convention Tourism for Economic Growth
Prestadores de servicios y centros comerciales in Puebla have voiced their support for attracting more conferences and conventions tourism to the city, as it can significantly contribute to economic activity during weekdays due to the arrival of attendees at these events.
Gustavo Ponce de León Tobón: Hotel and Motel Association Director
Gustavo Ponce de León Tobón, the executive director of the Asociación Poblana de Hoteles y Moteles (Puebla Hotel and Motel Association), highlighted that conference and convention tourism is crucial for hotel and restaurant businesses. He explained that visitors require accommodation and are eager to experience local cuisine.
Ponce de León Tobón emphasized that the state and local governments should prioritize conference and convention tourism, as it is essential for sustaining economic growth outside of peak vacation and long-weekend seasons.
He pointed out that when a significant conference takes place in Puebla, lasting up to four days, hotel occupancy can reach 90%, and in the best-case scenario, it may even hit 100%.
Setting an Annual Event Target
Felipe Mendoza Torres, director of the Asociación Poblana de Restaurantes y Prestadores de Servicios (Apresac), echoed the importance of pursuing major events and setting an annual target, as it bolsters economic activity.
Mendoza Torres noted that Puebla’s strategic location and available venues make it suitable for hosting both national and international conferences and conventions. This type of tourism can help offset low periods in the restaurant sector.
With 200 members, Apresac believes that constant tourism, especially during the week, would benefit their businesses. Having significant events would lead to positive sales and increased human capital.
Confirmed Events and Economic Impact
The Puebla municipal Secretaría de Desarrollo Económico y Turismo has confirmed nine events, which are expected to attract 39,000 attendees and generate 400 million pesos in economic impact.
One of these events is Smart City Latinoamérica, which will draw participants from 300 cities and number approximately 10,000.
Congress Attendees Boost Retail Sales
Andrés De La Luz Espinoza, director of the Asociación de Centros Comerciales de Puebla (Acecop), with 74 adhered shopping centers, supported the call for more conference and convention tourism.
De La Luz Espinoza explained that approximately three out of every six conference attendees not only dine in restaurants but also make purchases in department stores and local shops.
He added that many conference attendees visit shopping centers during their stay, either to explore the stores on their last day of the event or take advantage of free time in the afternoons.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main focus of Puebla’s business leaders? They are advocating for attracting more conference and conventions tourism to boost economic growth, particularly during weekdays.
- Who are the key figures mentioned in the article? Gustavo Ponce de León Tobón (Hotel and Motel Association Director), Felipe Mendoza Torres (Restaurant and Service Providers Association Director), and Andrés De La Luz Espinoza (Shopping Centers Association Director).
- Why is conference and convention tourism important for Puebla’s businesses? It provides accommodation needs and increases demand for local cuisine, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and retailers.
- What is the economic impact of confirmed events in Puebla? Nine confirmed events are expected to attract 39,000 attendees and generate 400 million pesos in economic impact.
- How do conference attendees contribute to retail sales? Approximately three out of every six conference attendees make purchases in department stores and local shops during their stay.
