There’s More to Mexico Than Fun in the Sun, Says New Tourism Secretary

Mexico is working toward diversifying its tourism product and moving away from an emphasis on sun and beach to focus on a variety of tourism niches including luxury, culture, archeology, sports, medical and meetings and conventions, Claudia Ruiz Massieu, Mexico’s new secretary of tourism said at a press briefing at the 38th annual Tianguis Turistico being held in Puebla, Mexico from March 17-20.

The decision to focus on Mexico’s wide swath of cultural offerings is evidenced in the choice of Puebla, a colonial city sometimes called the “Reliquary of America” because of its architectural beauty, as the site for the Tianguis Turistico. It is the first time the event has not been held at a sun and beach destination.

“It’s great to show a new face of our country,” said Massieu. “That is why Tianguis in Puebla is so important.”

Five hundred exhibitors from 42 countries are attending Tianguis. Attendance is so robust, she added, that hotels in Puebla are booked to capacity and some exhibitors are being accommodated in surrounding towns.

The state of Puebla is home to 34 million people and is responsible for 38 percent of Mexico’s gross national product, said Puebla Governor Rafael Moreno Valle. The state is building its tourism infrastructure by promoting what it calls the Seven Magic Towns of Puebla, which include Cholula, Cuetzalan, Chignahuapan, Zacatlan, Tlatlauquitepec, Pahuatlan and Xicotepec. Valle said that these towns must adhere to a “flagship of quality” in order to continue to remain in the portfolio.

Source: Travel Pulse, http://www.travelpulse.com/theres-more-to-mexico-than-fun-in-the-sun-says-new-tourism-secretary.html