Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/910090
structure, and key wins. In June of this year, the Baja California Sur Ministry of Tourism announced the winner for joint management and operations of the Los Cabos and La Paz convention centers, reinforcing the importance of meetings and events for the tourism industry and cementing the state as an attractive destination for the world congress arena. In Yucatan, construction began earlier this year for the International Conv ention Center of Yucatan, set to open by the second semester of 2018. The center already has 10 conventions and meetings confirmed for that period. The massive undertaking is set to revitalize Merida's hotel zone as the new space will accommo- date up to 22,000 attendees. Mexico continues to win bids for high-profile congresses into next year. The country recently won the bid for two prominent global con- ventions: the 2018 edition of the Destination Wedding Planners Congress (DWP) in Los Cabos, and the 11th World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Meeting in 2021 in Cancun. Celebrated annually in the world's best destinations, the DWP Congress will be held from April 10 to 12, 2018. It is considered to be the most important event in the wedding industry with more than 400 participants from 60 countries, including the top 150 wedding planners in the world. Mexico's Diverse Meetings and Events Destinations From bustling metropolises to charming colo- nial towns and seaside escapes, a few of Mexico's many meetings and conventions desti- nations include: Cancun has more than 700,000 sq. ft. of con- vention and exhibition space and more than 150 hotels and resorts with more than 70,000 rooms. Cancun' s prime location offers many alternatives for pre- and post-convention trips to complete the business agenda with incredible sightseeing. Guadalajara, known as Mexico's Silicon Valley, is home to Expo Guadalajara, the largest convention center in Mexico and Latin America, with over 1.2 million sq. ft. and a capacity of 50,000 people. It also offers an extensive hotel infrastructure and venues such as the Instituto Cultural Cabañas and Mundo Cuervo, home to the largest tequila producer in Mexico. The Guadalajara Airport receives 3,237 domestic flights and 1,490 inter- national flights. In 2016, it increased its connectivity by more than 8%. Los Cabos' great number of facilities provide meeting space and accommodation for all types of meetings, including those focused on marine biology and sustainability. Over two dozen airlines fly to Los Cabos, including direct international flights from U.S. and Canadian cities. Merida, the heart of the Yucatan peninsula and a gateway to mag- nificent Mayan archeology, is home to two convention centers and over 10,000 rooms for business events. In 2016, its airport increased its air connectivity over 37%. Mexico City is the capital and the largest city of the count ry. It is home to Mexican associations and one of the largest universities in Latin America. It has over 50,000 quality hotel rooms, 3,500 restau- rants and five convention centers. The Mexico City airport has a capacity of 32 million passengers per year, 12,407 domestic flights and5,281 international flights. In 2016, it increased its air connectiv- ity by more than 7%. Monterrey is known for its strong entrepreneurial culture, presti- gious higher education institutions, and a world-class health sector with leading medical centers. The city has much to offer in entertain- ment and culture, as well as extensive infrastructure for holding con- gresses and conventions, with two convention centers and 14,000 rooms. In 2016, aerial connectivity to Monterrey increased by more than 14%. Puebla is Latin Ameri ca's largest automaker and an important auto parts manufacturing center. The city 's convention center is located in the historic downtown, with 15,409 sq. ft. of event space and an event hall that accommodates up to 3,500 people. The recently inaugurated Expo Center Puebla offers 430,500 sq. ft. of space and high-tech facilities. Puebla's hotel infrastructure includes 9,000 rooms. B M & T ••• September/October 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 7