Tianguis Turns Spotlight On Mexico’s Obrador

Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador may have dodged a visit to the Lion’s Den when he visited Mexican tourism show Tianguis.

Lopez Obrador’s administration drew widespread criticism over its decision to close Mexico Tourism Board offices – including the three in this country – at the end of February, turning tourism promotion over to the country’s diplomatic missions.

The decision led some to expect that the leftist president would receive a cool reception when he spoke at the April 7 opening ceremony of Tianguis, held in Acapulco.

But Lopez Obrador – who arrived in Acapulco sitting in the economy section of a regularly scheduled Aeromexico flight – was seemingly warmly applauded when he walked onto the stage and several times during his talk, while touting the likes of urban development, tourist destination security and stating his government recognizes “how important tourism is to our economy.”

Tourism minister Miguel Torruco in turn told the gathering that there is “full confidence” in Mexico’s new administration and noted this 44th edition of Tianguis saw a record number of appointments.

But Lopez Obrador was also told by Luis Barrios – prominent in Mexico’s hotel industry – that “if you don’t show, you don’t sell,” a seeming reference to the closure of the tourism boards. Barrios – who was also applauded after making the remark – also warned that failing to promote Mexico internationally could lead to many Mexican tourist attractions running the risk of “becoming the best-kept secrets on the planet.”

The closure of the tourism boards drew criticism the following morning at an AMResorts breakfast, with company president Gonzalo del Peon stating that the “happiest people” following the move are those working in the tourism trades in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

“Some destinations are charmed with what’s happening,” the gathering was told.

Those at the breakfast were warned that “tourists have a choice of going somewhere else” other than Mexico.

In the photo

Seen above at Tianguis is Decameron’s Bill Bowers and two colleagues.