Introduction to the Southern Mexican States as Meeting Destinations
The southern states of Mexico, known for their economic lag compared to other regions, are emerging as destinations for the meetings and conventions industry.
Oaxaca’s Position as an Emerging Meeting Destination
Oaxaca, a state rich in cultural heritage, is positioning itself as an up-and-coming destination for meetings, conferences, and conventions. This growth is fueled by recent improvements in connectivity infrastructure and a diverse tourism offering that combines city and beach experiences.
Oaxaca’s Integrated Strategy
Francisco Javier Andrés Pacheco, Director of the Oaxaca Conventions, Congresses and Events (OCCE) Office, explained during the National Meetings Industry Congress in Puebla that Oaxaca aims to leverage its cultural wealth, enhanced connectivity, and tourism offerings to boost the meetings industry growth.
The OCCE promotes a unified brand encompassing five venues under its management: the Oaxaca Cultural and Convention Center, the Ethnobotanical Garden, the Gastronomic Center, the Guelaguetza Auditorium, and the upcoming Huatulco Forum.
“Our goal is to connect the three destinations – the city and the beach – so that event attendees can start their events in the colonial city and conclude with beach activities, taking advantage of the air connectivity between the region’s international airports,” Pacheco emphasized.
Infrastructure Developments
Recent infrastructure projects have bolstered the meetings industry. The Barranca Larga-Ventanilla highway has cut travel time between Oaxaca City and the coast from eight hours to two-and-a-half hours, making day trips to the beach possible without lengthy car journeys.
“With the renovation of Oaxaca International Airport, we will be able to accommodate new direct international flights to Oaxaca,” Pacheco noted, adding that the airport currently operates six direct international flights from Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana, Mexico City, Merida, and Cancun, along with international flights to Huatulco.
“We cannot compete with ‘monster’ destinations like Monterrey, Guadalajara, or Mexico City, nor Merida,” Pacheco acknowledged. “But our culture, art, tradition, gastronomy, and mezcal are what nourish our congresses.”
This vision translates into focusing on smaller events that capitalize on the destination’s unique attributes and cater to a high-income sector, Pacheco explained.
Oaxaca’s Emergence as a Meeting Destination
According to Pacheco, Oaxaca is an emerging destination, just like other southern and southeastern destinations.
Upcoming Events in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is set to host upcoming congresses such as Bioengineering, Cataracts, and Mastology, along with local fairs. The XXXIII CNIR will take place in Oaxaca in 2027.
Key Questions and Answers
- What makes the southern Mexican states appealing for meetings and conventions? These regions, including Oaxaca, are emerging as destinations due to their cultural richness, improved connectivity, and diverse tourism offerings that combine city and beach experiences.
- What is Oaxaca’s strategy to attract meetings and conventions? Oaxaca aims to create a unified brand encompassing five venues and connect the city with beach destinations, leveraging enhanced air connectivity.
- How have recent infrastructure developments impacted the meetings industry in Oaxaca? Recent projects, such as highway improvements and airport renovations, have significantly reduced travel times and expanded direct international flight options.
- What types of events does Oaxaca aim to host? Oaxaca focuses on smaller, high-end events that capitalize on the region’s unique cultural, gastronomic, and natural attributes.
- What upcoming events are planned for Oaxaca? Oaxaca is set to host congresses in bioengineering, cataracts, and mastology, along with local fairs. The XXXIII CNIR will be held in Oaxaca in 2027.
