Background on the Situation in Puebla
Manuel Domínguez Gabián, president of the Poblano Hotel and Motel Association (APHM) with 180 members, explains the need to target various market niches to improve hotel sector activity. The occupancy rate for hotel rooms has dropped from 60% to 52% over the past three years, causing concern among hotel owners.
Convention Tourism as a Solution
Domínguez Gabián highlights convention tourism as a promising alternative to boost hotel occupancy. By inviting organizers of small regional or national conferences to choose affiliated complexes for their events, hotels can attract more guests.
Capacity and Potential of Hotel Complexes
With auditorium capacities ranging up to 500 attendees, many hotels can accommodate participants for the duration of the event or suggest nearby lodging options. At least 120 out of the 180 APHM member complexes have the capacity and potential to host medium-sized conferences, but securing these events requires collaboration with organizers for early 2026.
Planning and Logistics
Domínguez Gabián emphasizes that conferences require extensive planning, often starting a year in advance. Hoteliers must offer special rates and ensure logistical support for room reservations and event development.
Weekday Occupancy vs. Weekend Occupancy
Hoteliers aim to improve weekday occupancy, which currently stands at 52%, while weekend occupancy reaches 65%. This lower weekday rate is a concern for the industry, which aims to increase both occupancy and revenue.
Impact of the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected the hotel industry, causing a six-month halt and subsequent cancellation of numerous conferences. Although events have resumed, the industry has yet to regain its pre-pandemic levels.
Promoting Puebla as a Conference Destination
To boost hotel occupancy, the APHM is negotiating with conference organizers and promoting Puebla as a conference location among local businesses. The city’s affordability compared to beach destinations makes it an attractive option for conference organizers.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current occupancy rate in Puebla’s hotels? The hotel occupancy rate has dropped from 60% to 52% over the past three years.
- What alternative is the APHM exploring to improve hotel occupancy? The APHM is promoting convention tourism as a means to attract more events and guests.
- How many hotels in Puebla have the capacity to host medium-sized conferences? Approximately 120 out of the 180 APHM member hotels have the necessary capacity and potential to host such events.
- How far in advance are conferences typically planned? Conferences are often planned up to a year in advance, requiring extensive logistical coordination.
- What is the difference in occupancy between weekdays and weekends in Puebla’s hotels? Weekday occupancy is at 52%, while weekend occupancy reaches 65%.
- How has the pandemic affected Puebla’s hotel industry? The pandemic caused a six-month halt in the hotel sector, leading to conference cancellations. Although events have resumed, the industry has not yet recovered its pre-pandemic levels.