In this context, Travel2latam spoke with Verónica González, Commercial Director of the Aguascalientes Convention and Visitors Bureau.
What is the MICE development that you are promoting in Aguascalientes?
It is a very important area that is made up of a council of seven state government agencies: Economic Development, Tourism, the Fair Board, the Sports Institute, we are the BID together with the private sector, Canac, Hotels and Motels.
Today we are using all the economic development to promote and market the facilities we have. During the San Marcos National Fair we have the opportunity to receive more than 10 million visitors in three weeks. So this speaks of the great hotel, restaurant and service infrastructure we have to be able to provide.
We have many more events, we have the Calaveras Fair, which has given us a lot of international success. Now I am making alliances with all the embassies and consulates to promote La Catrina, whose creator was born in the state of Aguascalientes. La Catrina is a Calavera Garbancera that is an icon worldwide, and being able to promote it worldwide has filled us with great satisfaction.
We also had the opportunity to be at Fitur, which is the most important tourism fair, and there were really lines and lines to take photos with La Catrina, because from the movie Coco, all the children know the garbancera skull.
What are the functions of the Bureau and how does it handle events and visitors?
The Congress and Visitors Bureau is responsible for marketing and promoting the state in terms of its venues, culture, gastronomy and important events. Yesterday we had the great opportunity to attend the Women Economic Forum in Aguascalientes, where we were accompanied by Rosario Marín, who was former treasurer of the United States and the first Latina to hold such an important position worldwide.
What type of events are mostly held in Aguascalientes?
Most of the international events are sporting events, due to the great infrastructure we have. There are also medical events, tourism fairs and congresses. The activity is very strong. Last year we had the opportunity to hold more than 160 congresses, conventions and exhibitions, and every weekend we have at least one national or international event.
Does the hotel infrastructure today meet demand?
Of course we do. We have more than 5,000 rooms. If during the San Marcos National Fair we receive more than 10 million visitors, this shows that Aguascalientes has all the infrastructure to receive so many visitors throughout the year.
What is the population of Aguascalientes?
We are 1,500,000 people. We are in the center of the Mexican Republic, which is why Aguascalientes is in a privileged location because, regardless of where you are going, you have to go through there. The connectivity we have is extremely important. Two freight trains also pass through Aguascalientes. So this shows that connectivity and being in contact with the state of Aguascalientes is essential.
Is the tradition of railways still maintained?
In principle yes, in fact Ferromex and Kansas pass through Aguascalientes.
What types of industries are developed in Aguascalientes?
The automotive industry is very important, we have Nissan and Mercedes too.
Why should you go to Aguascalientes instead of going to another place within Mexico? Why choose Aguascalientes?
First, because of its privileged location, Aguascalientes is in the center of the Mexican Republic and has first-world venues, where any type of event can be held with the appropriate and necessary infrastructure.
Security is essential. Aguascalientes is the second safest state in the Mexican Republic and now talking about security is essential and a luxury. We are a state with infrastructure, security and an open-door government that is an ally when it comes to holding any type of event.
Apart from our gastronomy and culture, which we have already talked about, in Aguascalientes we have one of the most important bullrings in the world, we also have vineyards and former haciendas.
Aguascalientes is known as a place of well-being and health, with hot springs. But the most important thing is our people, who are always happy to be hosts, to be able to receive and serve visitors.