You can’t get more Mexican than tequila and mariachi, and Guadalajara, capital of the state of Jalisco, dishes out a concentrated dose of both trademark lures, in addition to other iconic, deeply rooted symbols of the country, including the vibrant charreada (the rodeo-like national sport of Mexico) and colorful folkloric dance performances.
“Jalisco is the birthplace of Mexico’s most important traditions—things like tequila, mariachi and charros [Mexican cowboys],” says Yolanda Cisneros, promotion director for the Guadalajara CVB. “These traditions, combined with the warm hospitality of the Tapatios [Guadalajara locals], are what make us a unique destination in Mexico.”
From rail journeys through the land of tequila to lively horsemanship shows by brightly dressed charrros, there are unforgettable experiences on tap for groups meeting in Guadalajara, nicknamed the “Pearl of the West,” and there’s plenty more in store when planners consider the destination’s many other cultural attributes, including the striking creations of Mexican painter and Guadalajara native Jose Clemente Orozco and a historic district featuring a landmark 16th century cathedral and an attractive seven-block pedestrian promenade packed with restored, event-ready colonial buildings, beautiful fountains, impressive modern sculpture, museums, galleries, stores, cafes, and gourmet restaurants.
Meanwhile, shopping is a high point of a visit. Guadalajara’s San Juan de Dios Market, the largest enclosed market in Latin America, is brimming with local artisans selling their ceramics, hand-blown glass, woodwork, leather, and other crafts, while the city’s numerous shops carry folk art of the region. Nearby, Tlaquepaque is a quaint crafts village with cobblestone streets, an inviting central plaza, art galleries, and shops, and planners can arrange distinctive gatherings in the town’s artist studios and galleries.
As a proud and friendly city with a one-of-a-kind blend of small-town Mexican charm and urban sophistication, not to mention a year-round spring-like climate, Guadalajara’s compelling nature has recently boosted its appeal as an incentive destination. Last year, it was one of the first featured cities to be rolled out in the Mexico Convention Bureau’s Your Best Reward is Mexico program, designed to highlight emerging incentive destinations in the country.
The city’s diversity of authentic experiences, expanding infrastructure and significantly improved facilities and services have greatly enhanced its ability to host incentive groups.
“Your Best Reward is Mexico has given Guadalajara a chance to become much more professional and improve the quality of our venues and services in order to receive top incentives,” Cisneros says.
Meanwhile, meetings and conventions remain the city’s bread and butter when it comes to group business, and increasing demand has prompted a building and expansion boom that has recently brought more than 2,000 new hotel rooms on-line and will add roughly 150,000 square feet of space to the 500,000-square-foot Expo Guadalajara by the end of this year.
