Zacatecas and Mérida are two completely different parts of Mexico that this year share a common goal: to channel alternative tourism from all the fans attending the FIFA World Cup, as explained by their representatives at the International Tourism Fair (Fitur) in Madrid.
Mexico is one of the host cities for the upcoming World Cup, and it is expected that around 5.5 million international visitors—44% more than in previous years—will visit the country during the tournament.
To this end, the Secretary of Tourism for the city of Mérida (in the state of Yucatán), Armando Casares, announced the signing of several collaboration agreements with Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City, the three Mexican cities hosting matches, to increase direct air connections.
“Anyone who wants to take a break between goals—that’s the name of our campaign—can visit Mérida. We’re the safest city in Mexico, and we have great food, folklore, and archaeological sites. People can take a little getaway between goals to visit Mérida with these air shuttles,” Casares explained to EFE.
They will also increase direct flights to Toronto (Canada) and to US cities like Atlanta and Miami, hoping to attract visitors from the other World Cup host cities as well.
For his part, the Secretary of Tourism for the State of Zacatecas, Le Roy Barragán, also expressed his delight at the opportunity for Mexico to host this event for the third time.
“We’re located between two host cities—Monterrey and Guadalajara—just about three hours away by road. Having one of the most beautiful World Heritage Cities in the Americas right in the middle of it is something you can’t miss,” he argued in an interview with EFE.
Among the attractions of the region’s capital, according to the secretary, is one of Mexico’s most important and beautiful cathedrals, along with several museums and festivals, such as the Ramón López Velarde Cultural Festival, held during Holy Week and Easter Week. This festival, celebrating its 40th anniversary, features a program that includes exhibitions, dance, theater, and jazz, among other activities.
Another point of convergence presented at Fitur by Zacatecas and Mérida—destinations collaborating with EFE in disseminating this content—is their emphasis on community-based tourism. This means that visitors can connect with nature and, above all, with local communities.
Source: mxinvesting
