Introduction to the Event and its Significance
“Once you visit Baja California, you fall in love with it,” said Miguel Aguiñiga Rodríguez, Secretary of Tourism for the state and host of Tianguis Turístico 2025, in an interview with El Economista. The event, taking place from April 28 to May 1 at the Baja California Center between Rosarito and Tijuana, marks a historic moment as it will be the first time the Tianguis Turístico is held in a binational format, extending to San Diego, California.
The Journey to Hosting Tianguis Turístico 2025
More than three years ago, Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda tasked Aguiñiga with the ambitious mission of positioning Baja California as the host for Tianguis Turístico. “It wasn’t a last-minute impulse; it was a well-planned strategy,” Aguiñiga explained. The challenge was twofold: convincing federal authorities and the local tourism sector that Baja California had what it took to accommodate over 8,000 national and international visitors and buyers.
The proposal exceeded expectations, offering not just a modern venue facing the Pacific but also a unique cultural experience with parallel events in San Diego. “We’re bringing a piece of Mexico to Southern California, one of our most important markets,” Aguiñiga said.
Borderless Tourism
The border between Mexico and the United States, especially between Tijuana and San Diego, is the world’s busiest. This binational dynamic is an essential part of Baja California’s DNA, with thousands crossing daily for work, study, health, or leisure.
“We already live in a megaregion; Tianguis Turístico simply institutionalizes this turistic reality,” Aguiñiga affirmed. More than 46% of registered buyers come from the United States and Canada, primarily from California, Nevada, and Arizona. Thirty countries will be represented by travel agencies and specialized press.
Logistics and Security
One of the biggest challenges has been arranging transportation between various accommodations and the venue. To address this, 15 transportation routes connecting Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada, and Tecate to the Baja California Center have been designed. Coordination with US and Mexican authorities has also streamlined the border crossing for registered visitors.
In terms of security, the state has implemented an integrated strategy in collaboration with all levels of government, including tourist patrols, police coordination, and a permanent working table with bi-weekly meetings. “Security is not our concern, but it is our priority,” Aguiñiga stated.
Pairing with Mexico
One of the most attractive proposals is “Baja California marida con México,” where 32 wineries from the Guadalupe Valley will host all Mexican states for a week.
“Imagine enjoying a Michoacán-style mojarra in a Guadalupe Valley winery or experiencing cultural activities from Quintana Roo in the Guadalupe Valley,” Aguiñiga commented. The goal is to decentralize Tianguis and transform the entire state into a grand tourism stage.
A Legacy
The impact of Tianguis will extend beyond business figures, as Baja California has initiated an ambitious training program for service providers, including language skills, technology use, and hospitality.
Additionally, materials from the Baja California Center expansion will be reused to build roofs for schools in Mexicali and other high-temperature areas, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability with social impact. “This Tianguis Turístico is far more than just a promotional event,” Aguiñiga concluded. “It’s an opportunity for Baja Californians to see that we are a world-class destination. Thousands already visit us, but now we aim to diversify our markets and showcase the best of Mexico’s North to the world.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Tianguis Turístico 2025? Tianguis Turístico 2025 is a significant tourism event held in Baja California, Mexico, in a binational format with San Diego, California. It aims to promote Baja California as an international tourism destination.
- Why is this Tianguis Turístico unique? This edition is unique because it extends to San Diego, offering a broader platform for showcasing Mexico and Baja California as tourist destinations.
- What challenges were faced in organizing this event? Key challenges included arranging transportation between various accommodations and the venue, as well as ensuring security for visitors from multiple countries.
- What is the “Baja California marida con México” initiative? This proposal invites 32 wineries from the Guadalupe Valley to host all Mexican states for a week, fostering cultural exchange and decentralizing the event.
- What is the significance of this Tianguis Turístico for Baja California? The event aims to position Baja California as a world-class tourism destination, offering training programs and demonstrating sustainability commitments.
