With our great nation stretching from sea to sea and displaying nearly every climate and culture found on the planet, why consider venturing elsewhere in North America to hold an event? What have they got, in short, that we haven’t got?
Even the shortest list in answer to this question would include colonial, European charm, the site of the next Olympics, a huge concentration of all-inclusive luxury resorts, 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites combined and some of the best skiing in the world. Without even leaving the continent, planners are within range of all of this and more in Canada and Mexico.
In a time of tightening belts and slashed budgets, it might seem counterintuitive to plan events farther afield, especially considering the drop of the U.S. dollar against other currencies, not to mention customs logistics and new regulations that require passports to enter or re-enter the U.S. Yet planning ahead ensures a smooth experience, and it still makes sense to look across the borders to give groups the most international bang for their buck and to take advantage of fiscal incentives such as tax breaks for meetings.
Canada
Canada’s reputation as a clean, safe country with exquisite natural beauty, a well-maintained infrastructure and world-class winter sports has received one of the most ringing endorsements possible: It will be hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler.
Of course, an Olympiad on the horizon means a massive round of improvements and developments that will leave many hotels upgraded and expanded, infrastructure renewed and brand-new meetings properties and attractions that will enhance groups’ experiences during events in the country for years to come.
“Western Canada is the perfect setting for a meeting or an incentive,” says Michele Saran, director of incentive sales development at the Canadian Tourism Commission. “It’s similar enough culturally to the U.S. to ensure that delegates feel comfortable, yet it has that fun, foreign vibe that you get when you cross a border into a new country. The setting alone cannot be beat. We have something for everyone, from vibrant cities (Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, Victoria) to world-class resorts with the backdrop of some of the most majestic mountains in the world (Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Vancouver Island, Whistler) and, of course, the Pacific Ocean.”
The greater buying power in Canada of the once-mighty U.S. dollar used to be its own excuse to travel. Although the exchange rate is now hovering around par, Canada remains significantly less expensive than an overseas destination would be, and its tax incentive program for group meetings business helps soften the blow.
According to Saran, American meetings business remains a healthy and important part of Canada’s travel market despite these trends.
“In spite of the fact the U.S. economy is in a downturn and its dollar has tumbled, Canada is holding its own in the meetings market compared with much of the world,” Saran explains. “2010 and beyond are looking very strong. The U.S. meetings market is estimated to be about 25 to 30 percent of the business going into the British Columbia area and approximately 10 percent of the business going into the Alberta region. Both destinations have decided the market holds enough promise to engage full-time sales people based in the U.S. to pursue both meetings and incentives.”
For events that will involve moving materials, planners would not be facing the gauntlet of customs alone.
“We do have convention customs coordinators available to work with group organizers to ensure a program goes smoothly,” Saran says. “They will assist with paperwork to ensure goods clear customs, advise on the necessity of any work permits and refer meeting planners to qualified Canadian customs brokers.”
Canada is also very competitive in growing travel trends, including outdoor activities such as fishing and golf; cultural, aboriginal and culinary tourism; and family travel.
However, “Canada’s Games” will be the tourism commission’s main message throughout the next two years.
British Columbia is famed for its breathtaking mountains and natural scenery, and it is home to a sophisticated metropolis and several growing cities as well as scores of mountain resorts offering some of the world’s best skiing.
Vancouver, Western Canada’s largest city, is sporting a lot of development designed to fill the needs of both tourists during the Olympic Games in nearby Whistler and to maintain a high profile among meeting planners. Careful city planning has made Vancouver a metropolitan marvel, notable for its seemingly contradictive density and livability. “View corridors” carefully preserved by building codes provide vistas of the North Shore Mountains from downtown. A full complement of museums, galleries and cultural performance venues make it easy to find off-site banquet venues and after-hours activities.
“Despite previous concerns with passports, customs, tax issues, exchange rates, the high cost of fuel, security, the U.S. economy and elections, U.S.-based clients consistently are showing interest in Vancouver as a conference destination,” says Richard Yore, director of sales, meetings and conventions for Tourism Vancouver. “We believe it has a lot to do with Vancouver’s unique combination of being a cosmopolitan city surrounded by spectacular natural beauty, the excitement created by our hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and the about-to-be-opened, newly expanded Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre (VCEC).”
Slated for completion in early 2009, the VCEC West expansion will add 338,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space for a total of nearly 500,000 square feet. The expansion boasts innovative green features, including a living roof and seawater heating and cooling.
Some of the most hotly anticipated new meetings properties in Vancouver are the 220-room Coast Coal Harbour Hotel, the 415-room Fairmont Pacific Rim Vancouver and the 120-room Shangri-La Hotel, all set to open in 2009. A 127-room Ritz-Carlton hotel will debut by 2011.
In Whistler and Blackcomb, the big news is the 2010 Winter Olympics, and construction is already complete on the three main competition venues: Whistler Creekside for alpine skiing events, Whistler Sliding Centre for bobsleigh, luge and skeleton, and Whistler Olympic Park for cross-country skiing, biathlon and ski jumping. Summer tours of the facilities will available leading up to the games.
The Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler has also been expanded, making it easier than ever to plan events that incorporate venues in both destinations.
Apart from gold medal dreams, the Whistler/Blackcomb region is one of Canada’s top golf destinations in summer and is consistently rated North America’s top ski destination in winter.
Although America’s economic woes have slowed things down, U.S. meetings business remains a top priority for Whistler.
“For several seasons we have been experiencing challenges with respect to the U.S. market brought on by external factors: a softening U.S. economy, a weak exchange rate, high fuel prices and confusion over the passport legislation,” says Breton Murphy, manager of corporate and member communications for Tourism Whistler. “Tourism Whistler actively researches the impact these factors have on consumer behavior and focuses its efforts on factors we can influence directly, such as expanding and enhancing our product offerings and ensuring our guest experience provides great value and exceeds expectations.”
Whistler sees the upcoming games as an unparalleled opportunity to make connections with future meetings clients.
“Sponsors and corporate guests that experience Whistler before, during and after the Winter Games represent very important future group business for Whistler over the next several decades,” Murphy says.
British Columbia’s capital of Victoria, set on Vancouver Island, boasts a mild climate and a walkable downtown filled with historic buildings.
Victoria Conference Centre is undergoing an expansion from 45,000 square feet to 75,000 square feet in order to compete for larger events, while Westin Bear Mountain Golf Club & Resort is opening a second 18-hole championship golf course.
Farther east, the province of Alberta has enjoyed a strong economy and rapid growth for several years thanks in part to its strong petroleum, agriculture and forestry industries, making it a natural choice for groups with ties to these concerns. Alberta also shares the same reputation for exceptional skiing and other outdoor activities as neighboring British Columbia. Alberta is the only province with no provincial sales tax, a definite plus for meetings on a budget.
Alberta works hard to attract U.S. events business and positions itself as a high-value destination.
“U.S.-based conferences are crucial to our business in Alberta, and we’re proud to support them,” says Klaus Roth, portfolio manager, Americas and Olympic Tourism Marketing Strategies for Travel Alberta. “The current U.S. economic situation has planners looking for a ‘have-it-all’ destination that accommodates their budget and offers value and diversity in its activities. We’re thrilled that Alberta can provide this for them. We’ve found that with our variety of excellent offerings for planners, we’ve exceeded expectations for many U.S.-based conferences and look forward to continuing.”
The largest city in Alberta, Calgary (the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics) is known for its winter sports and increasingly for its ecotourism opportunities. It also sports a Western flair thanks to its ranching history and annual Calgary Stampede event.
The city is home to standout group venues like the Calgary Telus Convention Centre, and the newest developments in the destination include recently completed renovation projects at the Westin Calgary and International Hotel Suites Calgary, as well as two brand-new casinos and Sky 360 restaurant at the top of the 600-foot Calgary Tower.
Not far from Calgary, Banff and Lake Louise boast several large mountain resorts set amid jaw-dropping scenery. Larger meeting venues include the IACC-certified Banff Centre, Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge. Meanwhile, the city’s 346-room Rimrock Hotel recently wrapped up a renovation.
Edmonton, Alberta’s capital, hosts a wide variety of major festivals year-round, earning it the moniker “Festival City.” It is also the home of West Edmonton Mall, one of the world’s largest indoor shopping centers, with 800 shops, an amusement park, a waterpark, a nightlife district and a 120-room fantasy-theme hotel.
American meetings business is a top priority, and the city has put considerable marketing and development dollars toward attracting U.S. planners, according to Glenn Duncan, managing director of tourism development at Edmonton Economic Development Corporation.
“Destination awareness has vastly improved, and our inventory, infrastructure and airlift have allowed us to be competitive and get in the game with our competitors,” Duncan says. “We’ve worked hard to maintain impressive and consistent levels of business travel from the U.S., bucking the national trend, and our destination will continue to invest in this all-important market.”
Edmonton’s Northlands, the largest exhibition space in Western Canada, expects to complete a $150 million expansion by late 2009, boosting available function space to 500,000 square feet.
Mexico
Mexico’s enticing range of beaches, ancient archaeological ruins, Spanish Colonial cities and urban cityscapes has ensured its position as one of the world’s favorite destinations year after year.
Its swelling inventory of all-inclusive resorts, from the affordable to the decadently luxurious, and a portfolio of new and renovated convention centers compound its allure for meeting planners. Its warm, sunny climate and diverse ecosystems make it a strong draw for adventure-seekers and ecotourists, and the variety of its cultural offerings provide those interested in art and history with nearly unlimited opportunities to explore.
“Mexico has got what it takes to make a successful event,” says Eduardo Chaillo, CMP, CMM, regional director for the U.S. and Canada with the Mexico Tourism Board. “We are able to satisfy every need for every meeting or travel group in top-class hotels that pamper the business traveler with high-tech facilities and fine cuisine. All over the western region, visitors can find a wide variety of destinations, from 6,000 miles of heavenly beaches on the Pacific Ocean to wonderful ecological reserves and charming cities with colonial architecture of incomparable beauty.”
Nor are these attractions mutually exclusive. In fact, it’s easy to incorporate several into one meeting.
“You can experience the great resorts we have in these destinations and combine them with some of the colonial cities and [UNESCO] World Heritage Sites located only a few hours away,” Chaillo says. “For example, Puerto Vallarta with Guadalajara and the Tequila Express tour; Ixtapa with Morelia, which are only two hours apart by car; or Acapulco with Taxco or Mexico City.”
Chaillo says two of the main advantages for groups meeting in Mexico are the diversity of facilities and experiences, and affordability, based on currency exchange rates and incentives such as the zero-tax initiative that eliminates the value-added tax (VAT) for meetings-related facilities, services, and food and beverage.
“The fiscal incentives such as the zero VAT for international meetings, the tax deductibility for the IRS (as part of NAFTA) and the tax-free shopping for visitors are great competitive advantages of Mexico in the meeting arena and without a doubt the greatest incentive for businesses to organize their meetings in Mexico, aside from all the advantages that the country offers in terms of infrastructure and lodging capacity,” he says.
Getting materials through customs in a timely manner is always a concern for any international meeting. According to Chaillo, planners will find the process easily navigable and communication channels well established between the two countries.
“The Mexican and U.S. governments have an excellent relationship based on mutual cooperation and understanding,” he says.
U.S. groups are continuing to choose Mexico as a principal destination. In response, the country has invested heavily in expanding and improving its portfolio of properties and service levels. The Mexico Tourism Board has also worked to establish strategic partnerships with industry associations such as ASAE, PCMA, SITE and MPI, and strengthened ties with ICCA and HSMAI in order to promote meetings in Mexico.
“The importance of international tourism has definitely pushed our meeting standards into 21st century trends,” Chaillo explains. “We are continually expanding our convention facilities and investing in the education of our event organizers and suppliers of specialized services in order to enhance our position as one of the world’s most advanced destinations for meetings, conventions and incentives.”
Development in the first half of 2008 alone included 58 meetings hotel projects—51 new properties and seven renovations—to the tune of more than $604 million.
In particular, West Coast cities have exhibited strong trends toward meetings-friendly growth in recent years.
“Western Mexico destinations have evolved in the last 10 years, especially Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and Mazatlan,” Chaillo says. “These destinations were more focused on leisure travel with a low profile in the meetings industry, but today we are changing this trend. The result is the new convention center in Puerto Vallarta, Mundo Imperial in Acapulco’s Zona Diamante and a new convention center in Mazatlan in 2009.”
The popular coastal cities of Western Mexico welcome flocks of tourists annually as well as an increasing number of groups.
Located on Mexico’s largest bay at the base of the Sierra Madre range, Puerto Vallarta is a treasure chest of luxury resorts and spas. Diving, whale watching, hiking and ecotours are just a few of the activities groups can enjoy here.
The destination’s new $41 million, 150,000-square-foot convention center is set to open in late 2008.
Other recent investments include more than $3.5 million on a project to preserve and rehabilitate the city’s historic district and a $20 million airport expansion that will increase capacity by 140 percent.
To the north of Puerto Vallarta are resort regions such as Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita and the budding Riviera Nayarit.
On the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos encompasses the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, as well as the beachfront corridor that separates the two towns and is filled with upscale beach resorts, spas and golf courses.
New developments in the destination include the 130-room Raffles Los Cabos Resort, set to break ground in early 2009; the 150-room Park Hyatt Los Cabos Resort, scheduled to break ground in late 2008; and the 332-room Antigua Hotel, which will begin construction in 2009. Meanwhile, Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort is scheduled to soon become a Waldorf=Astoria, the first beach resort property for the upscale brand.
The legendary beach resort of Acapulco, long known among groups for its 179,000-square-foot Acapulco International Center, is significantly boosting its meetings appeal with the $300 million Mundo Imperial, which will open its first phase this month: the 4,000-seat Forum at Mundo Imperial, which will host major concerts, Broadway-style shows and other performances. The development includes the 730,000-square-foot Expo at Mundo Imperial, featuring 240,000 square feet of column-free exhibition space and 50 meeting rooms; the 805-room Resort at Mundo Imperial; a destination spa and wellness center; and upscale shops and restaurants.
Meanwhile, the cliff-top Banyan Tree Punta Diamante hotel is set to open in 2009. Plans are also under way for a 120-room W hotel and a new Aqua Acapulco property.
Farther north in the state of Sinaloa, Mazatlan lures groups with beautiful beaches, renowned sportfishing and a well-preserved historic district.
Mazatlan is set to open a new convention center in 2009, as well as the 716-room Hotel Riu Emerald Bay resort and the 107-suite Crowne Plaza Mazatlan, both debuting next May.
In the state of Guerrero are the twin coastal towns of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa. Zihuatanejo began life as a small fishing village and still retains its understated charm with smaller beachfront hotels, while Ixtapa is a modern high-rise beach destination.
Other top beach resorts on Mexico’s western shores include Manzanillo in the state of Colima and Huatulco, a growing destination in the state of Oaxaca that boasts nine bays and a number of luxury resorts. The state of Oaxaca is also home to Puerto Escondido, a small coastal hamlet known for its low-key ambience.
On the other side of the country, the destinations of the Mexican Caribbean offer gorgeous beaches, high-end resorts and one of the most fascinating pre-Columbian attractions on the continent: the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen-Itza.
World-famous Cancun remains Mexico’s top tourist destination. The city’s impressive infrastructure includes 24,000 hotel rooms and nearly 400 restaurants, in addition to Cancun Center, the destination’s main convention and exhibition facility.
Farther south, the Riviera Maya region continues to heat up with the recent debut of several new upscale resort properties. Hacienda Tres Rios opened in March with 273 suites set in a 326-acre ecological park. Sandos Playacar Riviera Hotel & Spa opened in April with 400 suites, an 18-hole golf course and a spa. The 128-suite Rosewood Mayakoba, set on a series of small islands, opened in January. Additionally, the 342-room Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort completed a $50 million renovation in early 2008.
Cozumel, Mexico’s largest island, is surrounded by pristine coral reefs, and its protected waters teem with colorful marine life, offering some of the best diving in North America. The destination features a number of meetings-ready hotels.
On the Gulf of Mexico, another meetings option is the port city of Veracruz, famous for its music, dancing and festive Carnival attitude as well as many buildings of architectural and historical significance.
Meanwhile, Mexico’s interior cities weave a rich tapestry of urban sophistication, culture and history.
Mexico City is the country’s capital and one of the three largest cities in the world. As you’d expect from such a metropolis, there are a variety of large-scale venues from which to choose.
In new developments, Starwood plans to open the 189-room St. Regis Mexico City in March 2009, and Presidente InterContinental Mexico City is building a new 240-room tower.
Monterrey, the third-largest city in Mexico, is a meetings mecca with several large conference centers.
Guadalajara is the nation’s second-largest city and both its high-tech and handicrafts capital, showing its roots in local culture and its commitment to innovation.
The city’s Expo Guadalajara offers more than 275,000 square feet of function space and is undergoing an expansion.
The new 1.5 million-square-foot Jorge Vergara Cabrera (JVC) cultural and convention center complex is expected to be unveiled in 2011 in Guadalajara. The $500 million project will offer more than 350,000 square feet of exhibit space covered by a translucent dome.
As the host of the 2011 Pan American games, Guadalajara is building 16 new hotels over the next two years, representing an additional 3,000 guest rooms.
In keeping with its status as a cultural mecca, Guadalajara will soon boast the sixth and newest Guggenheim Museum. The attraction is scheduled for completion in 2011.
Spanish Colonial cities such as Oaxaca, Morelia, San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato give groups a rich architectural and artistic heritage to explore.
Oaxaca is a standout for its history and culture, punctuated by ornate historic buildings, museums, a rich folk art tradition and prominent festivals such as the annual Day of the Dead celebrations. The historic district of Oaxaca as well as the nearby archaeological site of Monte Alban are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Morelia’s historic center as well as the entire town of Guanajuato are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites where visitors can travel back in time to witness the imperial might and flourishing culture of Spain in the New World.
For More Info
CANADA
Alberta
Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau 403.762.8421 www.banfflakelouise.com
Edmonton Economic Development Corporation 780.424.9191 www.edmonton.com
Tourism Calgary 403.263.8510 www.tourismcalgary.com
Travel Alberta 780.427.4321 www.travelalberta.com
British Columbia
Tourism British Columbia 800.HELLOBC www.hellobc.com
Tourism Richmond 604.821.5474 www.tourismrichmond.com
Tourism Vancouver 604.682.2222 www.tourismvancouver.com
Tourism Vancouver Island 250.754.3500 www.vancouverisland.travel
Tourism Victoria 250.414.6999 www.tourismvictoria.com
Tourism Whistler 604.932.3928 www.tourismwhistler.com
MEXICO
Acapulco CVB 866.283.3866 www.visitacapulco.com.mx
Cancun CVB 011.52.998.881.2745 www.cancun.info
Chihuahua CVB 011.52.614.429.3320 www.chihuahua.gob.mx
Colima Secretary of Tourism (Manzanillo) 011.52.312.316.2000 www.manzanillo.com.mx
Cozumel Tourist Promotion Board 011.52.987.872.7585 www.islacozumel.com.mx
Guadalajara CVB 011.52.333.122.7544 www.guadalajaramidestino.com
Guanajuato State Tourism Office (Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende) 011.52.473.732.7622 www.guanajuato-travel.com
Huatulco Hotel Association 866.416.0555www.hoteleshuatulco.com.mx
Ixtapa–Zihuatanejo CVB 866.678.5750 www.ixtapa-zihuatanejo.org
Los Cabos Tourism Board 866.LOSCABOS www.visitloscabos.org
Mazatlan Tourism Trust 011.52.669.913.3333 www.gomazatlan.com
Mexico City Tourism Ministry 011.52.555.211.2136 www.mexicocity.gob.mx
Mexico Tourism Board (Washington, D.C.) 202.265.9020 www.visitmexico.com
Monterrey CVB 011.52.812.020.6721 www.ocvmty.com.mx
Michoacan State Tourism Office (Morelia) 011.52.443.312.7289 www.michoacan.gob.mx
Oaxaca State Tourism Office 011.52.951.502.1200 www.oaxaca.travel
Puebla CVB 011.52.222.242.2546 www.puebla.gob.mx
Puerto Vallarta CVB 888.384.6822 www.visitpuertovallarta.com
Riviera Maya Tourism Board 011.52.984.206.3150 www.rivieramaya.com
Riviera Nayarit CVB 011.52.322.297.2516 www.rivieranayarit.com
Veracruz CVB 011.52.229.923.0391 www.veracruzturismo.com.mx
Yucatan Convention Bureau 011.52.999.942.1900 www.mayayucatan.com.mx
Zacatecas State Tourism Office 011.52.492.922.6751 www.turismozacatecas.gob.mx
