In this context, Travel2latam spoke with Daniel López, Technician 3 of the MICE Department of Quito Tourism.
What was your experience participating in an event like this for the first time?
It has been a fabulous experience, meeting so many people and creating this space for connection, networking, and looking at options to attract different events to our destination. And as for the organization itself, we have learned a lot, the data that ICCA provides helps us to move forward positively.
What is the current situation of the MICE segment in Quito?
We have given Quito a lot of impetus in terms of corporate tourism. There is an impressive hotel infrastructure, we have more than 3,100 rooms. There are venues and convention centers of 5,000 square meters, and we have contemporary centers where events can be held. We have churches, convents, museums that can be adapted to different types of events that you want to hold. In addition to that, Quito is considered and declared the first World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and it is also the best preserved historical center in Latin America, so we have everything, in addition to combining gastronomy, culture and dance. Quito is complete.
What is the current situation in the MICE segment? What are your prospects for next year?
The MICE segment has grown a lot, we have hosted very important events worldwide, such as adventure meetings and trail running events where more than 3,000 people gather. The Travel Mart will soon start in September, from the 18th to the 20th. At the moment, the International Eucharistic Congress is taking place, which brings together more than 5,000 people, and where there will be masses, processions and Eucharists with more than 30,000 or 40,000 people in the city of Quito.
So there is a very good projection, we have already planned future events, such as the Cocal headquarters for 2026. Then we have business meetings around the country to promote the city, and the same for next year.