Across the Borders: MEXICO |
Considering the challenges everyone has faced this year, that old adage about the only constant being change could easily be applied to the world of the meeting planner. The shifts in today's marketplace have affected Mexico as much as anywhere else in the world. But the good news is that while the problems may have been great, much of the change is for the better. With renewed commitment to provide value and service, and unprecedented efforts to upgrade and expand infrastructure, Mexico has become even more competitive for those event dollars.
Looking at the long-term, big picture, Mexico is increasingly well-poised to host international events, conferences, conventions and incentive groups, according to Eduardo Chaillo, regional director for the U.S. at the Mexico Tourism Board. Some of the biggest incentives for planners considering Mexico are the favorable exchange rates and the zero-tax initiative that eliminates the value-added tax (VAT) for facilities, services and food and beverage related to meetings, conventions, congresses and expos.
"Mexico is the 10th most visited tourist destination in the world and is a very large country, with many safe destinations to visit and enjoy," Chaillo says.
"One of the trends I'm seeing now is (greater emphasis on) value and service," says Adam Lawhorne, president of Meeting Incentive Experts in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., which specializes in Mexico programs. "People can spend more money as a planner (on the event) thanks to the 10 percent VAT tax exemption," he says. "They can take that 10 percent and build up their budget and pretty much do the same program that they could do before the economic crisis was happening."
Mexico continues to entice a wide range of groups with its sophisticated infrastructure, beach destinations, and natural lures. |
Canc�n Airport Doubles Operating Capacity with Second Runway |
(ASUR) the first privatized airport group in Mexico and operator of Cancun's International Airport and eight other airports in southeast Mexico, announced on October 20th, 2009 the inauguration of the second runway of Cancun Airport, which doubles the airport's capacity to approximately 28 million passengers per year. The increased capacity level is expected to meet forecasted demand for the next several decades. Cancun Airport has opened a new runway, control tower and taxiway bridge.
The $67 million investment enables the airport to become Mexico's first to have the capacity to handle simultaneous takeoffs and landings on two runways, according to the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau.
With this project, ASUR expects to contribute to economic development in the region and to maintain Cancun's position at the forefront of airport services in Mexico and Latin America. |
Fiesta Americana was recognized as the "Best Hotel Chain" in 2009 |
WE ARE THE #1 HOTEL CHAIN IN MEXICO
Thanks to its warm and welcoming service, FIESTA AMERICANA was recognized as the "Best Hotel Chain" in a 2009 report titled "The Best Brands in Mexico."
The online survey was conducted between April and July by market research firm Millward brown, who interviewed more than 10,330 of the country's top executives, about their satisfaction levels and travel preferences.
The results will be published in the October/November edition of Mexico's leading management and executive training maganize, "Gestion de Negocios." |
MIE new member in Chicago |
Denny Solorzano, our Sales Manager, has returned to Mexico City, however, we are happy to report that she will be assiting us with programs to Cancun, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta in the near future. Denny will be missed by the Chicago MIE Team.
MIE Chicago would like to introduce and welcome our new Account Manager, Leslie Quintero. Leslie joins us from Mexico with over six years of experience in Market Research and Advertising. Leslie is expanding MIE's on-line web development as well as developing new business with account relationships.
Welcome aboard! | |
Creating a memorable meeting or incentive program takes more than planning, knowledge, and attention to detail...
It takes an EXPERT.
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