Staying Competitive

Budgets go a long way in Mexico, according to the tourism board. The country offers competitive prices on hotels, food and beverage, production, labor and other services. And a tax incentive for foreign event organizers, at zero percent VAT, also applies to foreign attendees attending international conventions. That represents a 16 percent savings in meeting-related expenses.

The Mexico Tourism Board notes that on top of the great value/price relationship offered by its meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) unit, buyers can rely on the mature supply chain that serves all business events’needs. In Mexico, more than 300,000 events are held annually, so buyers can count on certified industry professionals in addition to modern venues and hotels that hold health and hygiene certifications validating the level of quality and service they provide.

What also makes Mexico so attractive for businesses is that it’s an interesting place to visit, plus it’s a good value when it comes to airfare, says Wheeler.“For example, fares to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic can be $900 or more, but flights to Mexico can be found that are less than half of that,” he explains.

Mexico is of great interest for meetings and events because it offers easy access, Wheeler adds.“Travelers don’t have problems with visas, and while you need a passport, it’s not restrictive to enter and exit. There’s also a very decent VAT refund program that can add up, depending on how much you spend.”

When working with clients scouting for event venues, Wheeler asks them when, why, who and what.“That includes why they’re having a meeting and what’s important to them in terms of location.”