Amid all the celebratory hoopla of fireworks, world-renowned musical acts, free-flowing libations and memorable ocean-view vistas, the 42nd edition of Tianguis Turistico in Acapulco, organized by the Mexico Tourism Board, set the stage for an impressive number of business transactions. Held from March 27-30, 2017 at the Expo Mundo Imperial Acapulco Diamante, promoted for its EarthCheck’s Silver Certification, the travel show broke records in terms of attendees, number of business meetings and participation from companies, buyers and countries, exceeding the results in these categories from all Tianguis Turisticos over the last five years.
The show boasted 10,000 attendees, 44,312 business meetings and 1,608 buyers. There were 88 countries represented, which was nine more than last year.
During the inauguration ceremony, Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto highlighted the importance of the tourism sector for Mexico and pledged continued support and investment from his administration in that area.
Another speaker, the secretary general of the United Nation’s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Taleb Rifai, a special guest of President Pena Nieto during the inaugural ceremonies, received applause for his politicized statement:
“I believe no wall will isolate the country, and anyone who tries [to] will only isolate themselves.”
Recent comments by Rifai referring to Mexico as “a world unto itself,” prompted Lourdes Berho, CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board, to propose the words as a potential destination tagline during the tradeshow.
Tianguis’ usual lively, artsy tradeshow floor included everyone from acrobats to local artists and its three-and-a-half days of presentations focused on everything from sustainability to social media. Cocktail parties and off-site lunches highlighted some of Acapulco’s most exquisite venues, such as Las Brisas Acapulco, Villa Susana and restaurant Becco al Mare. One of the event highlights was the gala night performance by musical group Los 5, whose hit song Acapulco had everyone on their feet.
International press also attended the launch event of Xtasea, the world’s longest over-the-ocean zipline. On the final night of Tianguis, held at Tres Vidas Golf Club Acapulco, local authorities “passed the baton” to those representing Mazatlan, the chosen destination for the 2018 Tianguis Turistico.
Mexico Tourism Board
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