New Bureau in Mexico

Meetings & Conventions: Newsline newsline.gif (8042 bytes) New Bureau in Mexico

Executive Director Talks Conventions

Eduardo Chaillo In July, the Mexico Tourist Board formed the Office of Congresses and Conventions, with the aim to promote meetings in Mexico. Eduardo Chaillo, executive director of the new agency, recently talked with M&C .

M&C: Why was the national convention bureau founded?

Chaillo: It is a recognition of the evolution and maturity of our industry in Mexico and a response to increasing demand for meetings. This has been very important in the past few years.

M&C: What will the bureau focus on?

Chaillo: We will work on coordination. There are 39 offices of the tourism board all over the country; 18 are convention and visitor bureaus, and the others are becoming CVBs by 2004.

We also are strengthening the Mexico chapter of Meeting Professionals International and sponsoring various programs with the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives.

M&C: What can the bureau offer U.S. planners?

Chaillo: Impartial information about our destinations. Planners can first call us, then we’ll coordinate with the destinations. [Planners can contact the Office of Congresses and Conventions, 011-52-55-2581-0900; or go through the Mexico Tourism Board, 312-606-0327; www.visitmexico.com.]

• J.V.