Background on Key Figures and Previous Events
Alejandro Armenta Mier, the governor of Puebla, has recently appointed Carla López-Malo Villalón as the new Secretary of Tourism Development, replacing Carlos Márquez Pérez who had been serving as interim since mid-May. López-Malo Villalón previously held the position of Subsecretary for Tourism Promotion within the same department. Her appointment comes after the departure of Yadira Lira Navarro, whose replacement she was also considered for.
Carlos Márquez Pérez’s Background
Márquez Pérez joined as interim secretary after serving as the office head for former federal Tourism Secretary Miguel Torruco Marqués during the administration of ex-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Restructuring and Future Changes
Governor Armenta Mier stated that López-Malo Villalón’s appointment is part of a broader restructuring effort in several state departments, with more adjustments expected in the coming weeks.
Tourism Promotion and Resource Allocation
Armenta Mier announced that the new Secretary of Tourism Development will oversee a significant shift in promoting Puebla’s attractions, with a budget of 700 million pesos dedicated to tourism promotion—the largest allocation for this purpose.
The decision to increase funding comes as a response to the tourism industry’s request for more resources due to a decline in average hotel occupancy from 60% to 52%. In light of this situation, hotel owners sought a meeting with the President of Puebla’s Legislative Power to propose directing 3% of the Hotel Occupancy Tax (ISH) revenue towards tourism.
Timing of the Appointment
This second change in the Secretary of Tourism Development position occurred approximately six and a half months into Armenta Mier’s administration, which began on December 14 of the previous year. This marks the second six-year term of Morena, a political party, in Puebla.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Alejandro Armenta Mier? Alejandro Armenta Mier is the current governor of Puebla, Mexico.
- Who replaced Carlos Márquez Pérez? Carla López-Malo Villalón was appointed as the new Secretary of Tourism Development.
- What is the reason for the change in leadership? The governor stated that this appointment is part of a broader restructuring effort in several state departments.
- How much funding will be allocated to tourism promotion? 700 million pesos have been earmarked for promoting Puebla’s tourism attractions.
- Why was the funding allocation increased? The tourism industry requested more resources due to a decline in average hotel occupancy.
- When did this change occur relative to Armenta Mier’s administration? This change took place approximately six and a half months into Armenta Mier’s administration.
