Cashing in on conventions: niche tourism market continues to expand as Mexico sells itself as meeting spot.

Despite the slowdown in tourism over the past three years, business tourism--strengthened by an increase in international trade activities--is growing, buffeting the sector at large.

Over 7,000 conventions are held nationwide each year, and almost 1.2 million businesspeople traveled

The constant increase of people travelling for business purposes, led the government to take an important step and introduce the "0% tax rate" for congresses and conventions, fairs and exhibitions and film industry from abroad. This new law went into effect in January, which should help make 2004 a positive year in the business tourism sector.

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In another move to promote Mexico's convention options, the government opened the new Congresses and Conventions Office (OCC) in Mexico City, which will work in conjunction with the Tourism Promotion Council of Mexico. It is a specialized office that will act as a liaison between convention organizers around the world and prominent business destinations around the country. It also will promote Mexico as a leading option for congresses, corporate conventions, incentive trips and exhibitions, according to Eduardo Chaillo, executive director of the OCC.

Despite the negatives attached to Mexico, namely issues involving security, urban infrastructure and public services, leading tourism officials are confident that the range of world-class convention destinations--from traditional favorites Acapulco and Cancun to industrial centers of the north--will continue to attract international-minded businesspeople.

Edgar Del Castillo is a business resource analysis at AMCHAM.

CITY              TOP CONVENTION CENTERS

Aguascalientes    Centro de Convenciones San Marcos
Campeche          Centro de Convenciones XXI
Mexico City       Centro Banamex
Mexico City       Centro de Negocios y Comercio de la Cd. de Mexico
Mexico City       Expo Mexico Santa Fe
Mexico City       International Conference Center (ICC)
Mexico City       Palacio de los Deportes
Mexico City       World Trade Center
Torreon           Centro de Convenciones Torreon
Tuxtla Gutierrez  Centro de Convenciones Poliforum
Chihuahua         Expo Chihuahua