The Magic Towns of Mexico Shine in San Antonio, Texas

The Secretary of Tourism of the Government of Mexico, Miguel Torruco Marqués, along with the Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Ron Nirenberg, and the Consul General of Mexico in San Antonio, Texas, Rubén Minutti Zanatta, inaugurated the third edition of the International Tianguis of Magical Towns. This event, held from June 28 to 30 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, aims to promote the tourism, craftsmanship, gastronomy, and cultural richness of Mexico's 177 Magical Towns.

Miguel Torruco Marqués, Secretary of Tourism, emphasized the importance of this event, highlighting that it brings together 177 buyers, 659 registered exhibitors, and has scheduled 688 business meetings. This third edition is notable for being inclusive, offering packages for people with disabilities under the premise that "no one is left behind, no one is left out."

Accompanied by Juan Enrique Suárez del Real Tostado, president of Asetur, and Héctor Tejada, former president of Concanaco Servytur, Torruco Marqués highlighted the active participation of state tourism secretaries, municipal authorities from the Magical Towns, and consuls who represent Mexico with great honor in Texas. He also acknowledged the contribution of travel agents and major tour operators from both Mexico and the United States.

The event showcases the vibrancy and diversity of each Magical Town through their colors, flavors, music, folklore, and various attractions. More than 177 buyers, 659 exhibitors, 63 professional visitors, 34 members of the press, and 688 scheduled business meetings are participating, promoting tourism packages and international tourist arrivals to the Magical Towns, thereby boosting the local economy and aligning with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's policy of making tourism a vehicle for social reconciliation.

For the first time, the Tianguis Internacional de Pueblos Mágicos is inclusive, featuring an inclusion pavilion with offerings for people with disabilities. Torruco Marqués emphasized that this edition will be very productive and leave positive experiences for participants, providing a significant boost to these wonderful localities and Mexico as a destination.

This edition also includes the participation of the Barrios Mágicos for the first time, with a special pavilion dedicated to these neighborhoods that preserve the essence and mysticism of a capital city or metropolis. Torruco Marqués noted that San Antonio, Texas, and the Magical Towns of Mexico share a rich tapestry woven with history, culture, and tradition, making this U.S. city an ideal location for the event.

He highlighted that the U.S. and Mexico share a 3,152-kilometer border, crossed annually by over 60 million visitors, including travelers and day-trippers. The U.S. is the primary source of tourists to Mexico, with 13.5 million tourists arriving by air in 2023, a 29% increase from 2019, and spending $15.2 billion, a 45% increase from 2019.

During the first quarter of this year, 5.1 million U.S. tourists arrived by air in Mexico, a 40% increase from 2019, spending $6.3 billion, a 65% increase from 2019. Texas, in particular, is a major source of passengers to Mexico, with 15,531 flights carrying 1.7 million passengers from January to April 2024. For 2024, 48,800 flights with 7 million seats are scheduled.

Specifically, San Antonio is the third city in Texas for sending passengers to Mexico, with 3,000 flights and 523,000 seats scheduled for 2024, a 12% increase from the previous year. Mayor Ron Nirenberg welcomed the Magical Towns of Mexico, expressing that this event will inspire many to visit these localities, strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation.

Consul General Rubén Minutti Zanatta acknowledged the importance of this event and the Magical Towns, expressing excitement about the offerings of these beautiful tourist spots. Asetur President Juan Enrique Suárez del Real Tostado emphasized the need to promote these destinations as part of Mexico's magic and continue the legacy of Secretary Torruco Marqués.

Héctor Tejada Shaar, former president and advisor of Concanaco Servytur, reiterated the importance of associations, businesses, and entrepreneurs in solidifying Mexico as a tourism powerhouse, particularly through the International Tianguis of Magical Towns.