Mexico’s most important travel tradeshow, the annual Tianguis Turistico kicked off in Acapulco. Nearly 1,000 companies from 87 different countries are participating in the tourism fair in a total of more than 31,000 business meetings. The event is taking place through March 30th at the exhibition hall of the Expo Mundo Imperial.
During Tianguis 2015, Acapulco hosted over 30,000 business meetings, 690 buyers, representatives from 65 countries from all over the world and 6,500 attendees, surpassing numbers from previous host locations like Puebla and Puerto Vallarta. This year in its 42nd year, Acapulco expects to break 2015’s record and provide a once in a lifetime experience to all.
“The destination is in full glory during Tianguis and we are excited to show visitors from all over the world everything we have to offer," said Ernesto Rodriguez Escalona, Secretary of Tourism of the State of Guerrero. "Tourism in Acapulco continues to grow thanks to new projects and investments from both the public and private sectors. Our improved infrastructure and record breaking visitors this past year is a testament to our commitment to growth."
One of the highlights of the event is the unveiling of XTASEA, the world’s largest over-the- ocean zip line, which opens tomorrow, March 28. The new amenity spans over a mile long reaching 75 mph at an altitude of 328 feet. An experience combining adrenaline, adventure and fun, XTASEA crosses the Bay of Puerto Marqués. It can accommodate thousands of adventure seekers a day, making it the top new attraction for visitors in Acapulco. XTASEA is one of 20 projects under the “Master Plan” by Grupo Autofin, one of Mexico’s most important investors, to take place in Acapulco.
Grupo Autofin’s “Master Plan” will also include renovations of the iconic Pierre Mundo Imperial and Princess Mundo Imperial, as well as the following new developments: Spa Tlalli, Turtle Dunes Golf Clubhouse, Gourmet Beach, Hotel Prince by Mundo Imperial, Hotel Marqués Boutique, Residences and Luxury Condominiums, Hotel Boutique Only You, Diamante Retirement Homes, Princess Medical Center, Premium Shopping Center, an eco-amusement park called Aventura Guerrero, a new tennis stadium, security towers, and Princess University. These projects are expected to be completed between 2017 and 2022 and will generate more than 10,000 new jobs.
Similarly, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located in the heart of Acapulco on Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue, began a $8.5 million-dollar renovation to be executed within the next two years. The project consists of the remodeling of its event spaces, guest rooms, public areas, modernization of elevators, state-of-the-art technology.
Another novelty in Acapulco during Tianguis is the presentation of the Light and Sound show at the Fort of San Diego and the video mapping, which was held last night. The presentation was projected on the walls of the museum, narrating the history of the fortress. The Fort also inaugurated three rooms remodeled by FONATUR, INAH and the Secretary of Federal Culture. Additionally, the Sinfonia Del Mar Auditorium and the "Vereda Tropical" Auditorium in Acapulco’s Traditional Zone are being renovated.
The destination’s repositioning has already had tremendous impact, with Acapulco Destination Marketing Office reporting one of the most successful winter seasons in the last few years. Average hotel occupancy for the holiday period of December 20-31 was at 95 percent. Acapulco registered the highest occupancy on record in the past eight years with 98.1 percent on January 1. Interest for the destination was especially high during weekends and holidays as the destination averaged 80 percent over the Mexican holiday weekend of February 4-6 and 81 percent over the March 18-20 holiday, results higher than those from last year during the same weekends.
For more information about Tianguis Turistico, visit: http://tianguisturisticomexico.com.mx