Baja California: IBTM 2024 Guest Destination
According to the National Secretary of Tourism, 12% of tourists visiting Mexico engage in activities related to the meetings industry. Additionally, according to the International Visitors Survey (EVI) conducted by INEGI, as of March this year, more than 7 million international travelers had visited the country.
Considering these figures, meeting planners often seek specific characteristics in the chosen destination for these types of events. Among them, a strategic location stands out, which also serves as an excellent means to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, the chosen destination must boast the necessary infrastructure and logistics to accommodate not only the number of attendees but also the organizing team.
Similarly, the location must possess the basic resources and suppliers to host an event of this nature, along with suitable convention centers or venues to hold it. An international airport, catering services, wardrobe services, production, and other details are essential for the smooth execution of a large-scale event.
Finally, it's desirable for the area to offer tourist attractions not necessarily related to the organized activity, allowing visitors to engage in cultural and entertainment activities to break away from the routine of work hours and the work environment.
Year after year, IBTM Americas forms an alliance with a destination where it will welcome event attendees. The Guest Destination initiative allows various places to gain visibility in an international business environment, promoting the positioning of destinations for less globally known events and allowing the most popular ones the opportunity to strengthen connections and generate new contacts with companies in the meetings industry worldwide.
As one of the most important tourist destinations in the country, Baja California excels in each of these aspects. Hosting around 28 million visitors per year, this site is highly recognized by foreign visitors who want to immerse themselves in Mexican culture, northern traditions, and, of course, our gastronomy.
What will you find in Baja California?
Being a border state, Baja California seamlessly blends the local and the international, the traditional and the modern, culture, and entertainment. This versatility makes it one of the best destinations for organizing events, incentive trips, or serving as a venue for international events. In Ensenada, you'll discover numerous museums, perfect for enhancing your guests' experience. The Riviera Civic and Social Cultural Center offers various venues, ideal for corporate events, social gatherings, congresses, talks, and presentations. Additionally, just a few minutes from the port, lies the Wine Route, providing an excellent opportunity to savor the diverse flavors of the nation's soil.
On the other hand, the beaches of Rosarito and Mexicali offer excellent ecotourism options. These beaches provide various water activities, as well as an annual bike ride and unparalleled gastronomy. In the capital, you'll find the zoo and several museums. Here, you can also explore the Salada Lagoon and the Hardy River.
In this state, weddings are among the most popular events, particularly outdoors. The warm climate and breathtaking views provide the perfect backdrop to say "I do" almost any time of the year. Additionally, the wide range of accommodation options and activities serve as an added incentive, allowing the couple and their families to experience new adventures and fully enjoy this celebration.
Moreover, cultural exhibitions are commonplace in Baja California, contributing to the rich cultural offerings throughout the year. Festivals, exhibitions, concerts, and conferences showcase the best of music, dance, and art from different parts of the country and the world in this destination.
Of course, due to the various sports activities taking place in different areas of the state and along the coast, sporting events are not uncommon. In fact, apart from the Rosarito-Ensenada Bike Ride, there are various sports fishing tournaments, surfing competitions, and even off-road races.
This diverse array of options in gastronomy, culture, sports, and stunning landscapes make Baja California one of the premier destinations in the country for organizing social, sports, cultural, corporate events, and incentive trips for different companies and teams.
If you're eager to learn more about the advantages of Baja California as a destination, we invite you to visit its stand as a guest destination within IBTM Americas 2024 on August 21 and 22 at Centro Citibanamex. In the meantime, stay tuned to our blog and event updates through social media: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.