Gay Nagle Myers
Mexico’s largest annual
travel trade show, Tianguis Turistico, returns to Acapulco March 23 to 26.
The event originated and
spent its first 36 years in Acapulco but has been more of a touring show of
late, taking place in Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit in 2012, Puebla in 2013
and Cancun last year.
Venue for Tianguis’ business
events is the Mundo Imperial complex in Acapulco’s Diamante zone, a short drive
from the airport.
Officials in the Pacific
coast city are welcoming Tianguis back with open arms and say that attendees
will be returning to a different Acapulco than the one they saw in 2011.
Pedro Haces, president of the
Acapulco Destination Marketing Office, outlined a number of recent initiatives
covering security, image perception, tourist zone renovations and beach upgrades
that highlight the resort city’s progress on several fronts.
“To provide our visitors with
peace of mind during their travels, Acapulco is renovating its Tourist
Assistance and Protection Center (Capta, in Spanish),” Haces said.
“With the support of the
Mexico Tourism Board, the office will be accessible to visitors and a place
they can obtain information, report any incidents and receive assistance,” he
said.
The government also has new
training programs in place for the state police as well as the Gendarmerie, the
federal police force.
Acapulco’s Advisory Council
is an initiative formed in 2012 comprising private investors, including Mexican
billionaire telecom tycoon Carlos Slim and Mexican hotel company Grupo Posada,
to restore and revitalize Acapulco’s Traditional (tourist) zone.
“Efforts include upgrades to
the Caleta and Caletilla tourist beach areas and the traditional zocalo (public
market area) as well as the new Acabus urban transit service and the
macrotunnel project, which connects the Diamante hotel zone and the Traditional
zone,” Haces said.
Grupo Posada is investing in
the new 350-room Fiesta Americana Grand, which opens at the end of 2016.
Acapulco currently has 18,000 hotel rooms, according to Haces.
During Tianguis, social
events will include outdoor receptions, tours and excursions to highlight
attractions and boat trips around the harbor area.
“We are constantly working to
showcase Acapulco’s diversified offerings to cultivate a fresh and innovative
image for the destination,” Haces said.
The Mundo Imperial complex is the venue for Tianguis Turistico 2015