According to the 2016 ICCA country ranking, Mexico advanced a place to rank 21st in the world.
Global meeting and event industry figures have been favourable for Mexico and the world in general. In 2016, 12,293 congresses were registered, the highest number to date, with everything pointing to continued growth. In the last ranking of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Mexico advanced from the 22nd to 21st position, with the USA topping the ranking with 934 meetings, followed by Germany with 689 and the UK with 582. It should also be noted that, with 64 conventions, Mexico City moved up three positions in the ICCA city ranking to figure in 34th place out of more than 200 cities. Paris with 196 events, followed by Vienna with 186 and Barcelona with 181 occupied the top positions.
Commenting on 2017, Rafael Hernández Gómez, President of the World Meetings Forum (WMF) and meetings industry expert, said, ‘there is a lot of potential here; we can be in the big leagues of business tourism, since we have everything: excellent air connections; large-capacity convention centres; hotels; and tourist attractions to ensure that tourists have a pleasant stay. And, although the country is going through a bad time as regards security issues, we can safely say that it will not hinder growth, because, for example, Paris, which has been attacked severely by terrorism, continues to occupy the first place in the city ranking.’
Business tourism has become an important economic activity for Mexico and the world as a whole. It is estimated that business travellers spend 53% more than normal tourists, and the industry’s economic impact represents US $24.97 million only in Mexico, which is equivalent to 1.50% of the national GDP.
In the opinion of Rafael Hernández, constant training is required for the industry’s continued growth, as well as tools for conducting business and engaging those who form part of the value chain of business tourism. One of the initiatives launched in Mexico with an eye to promoting the industry over the past five years is the World Meetings Forum (WMF). The aim of this forum, which is currently one of the top business tourism events, is to provide a space where industry leaders and professionals can hone their skills and obtain certificates, and, above all, make the most of new business opportunities at both a national and international level.
The fifth edition of the forum, which will take place in Mexico City from 11-13 July, will bring together decision-makers, event planners, and PCOs, among other professionals, offering them the chance to meet face to face. Since 2013 to date, more than 70 internationally renowned speakers, 650 attendees, 40 associations, and 15 countries have participated in previous editions of the WMF.
In this respect, Rafael Hernandez concluded, ‘to continue building a promising future for the country and for business tourism worldwide, we must get all the industry’s professionals to pull together and demonstrate that, despite security and economic crises, it continues to grow and that we can actively contribute to creating jobs, generating business, and improving infrastructures which will benefit us all.’
Published
08/06/2017
