Tianguis Turistico 2013, Puebla, Mexico

Tianguis Turistico promotes all of Mexico’s tourism sectors: cultural, beaches, luxury, business, nature and adventure. And cultural (purple) is at the top!

The colour and diversity of Mexico was on fabulous display during Tianguis Turistico 2013 held in Puebla, Mexico, March 17-20. It was the first time Mexico’s principal tourism marketplace has ever been held in a colonial city. Famous for its culinary heritage and UNESCO World Heritage colonial core, the city of Puebla was a gracious host, pulling out all the stops to welcome a record-setting number of buyers and international press.

Bienvenidos! Tianguis Puebla’s inaugural gala included a multimedia show celebrating ‘the city of angels founded in the land of giants’.

To this first-time attendee, Tianguis felt like a mini-Olympics. I was dazzled by the event’s sheer scale and energy. Serious business – over 25,000 meetings booked over three days – was conducted with hospitality and flair and the overall atmosphere was festive.

Puebla Exhibition Center with Popocatépetl volcano in the distance.

Speakers at the opening press conference included Puebla State Governor Rafael Moreno Valle (centre left) and Mexico’s Tourism Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu (centre right).

After opening press conferences, it was on to the exhibition floor for meetings, interviews, tastings, live music and more.

Oaxaca spelled it out, two letters per representative.

El Venado Azul (the blue deer), a prehispanic music group from Mineral de Pozos, one of Mexico’s ‘Pueblo Mágicos’.

Colonial-era dancers from Riviera Nayarit.

Veracruz invites everyone to come dance.

Other press events were held at atmospheric venues around town.

Conferring over margaritas and tequila shooters at the Casareyna Hotel.
Left to right: Marlon Moreno, BOLD Magazine, Canada; yours truly; Juan Carlos Gutierrez, Entrevision, Colorado; Camilo Henao Medina, Projectos Semana S.A., Colombia.

A highlight of Tianguis Turistico 2013 was the lunch hosted by Puebla State Governor Rafael Moreno Valle. The strikingly modern government building was adorned with hot pink gladioli, the tables decked with gorgeous local talavera pottery. After an exquisite meal of mole poblana and other Pueblan specialties, the governor gave each of us a beautiful book on Craft + Design/Avant-Garde Puebla. As I rode back to the hotel to pack for the flight home, I reflected it had been a week I’d never forget.

Puebla government complex.

The Puebla government buildings feature contemporary talavera tiles by famed local firm Uriarte.

A warm welcome.

A pretty talavera table setting.

The forecast for Mexico tourism? Sunny, with growth in all areas. For trip inspiration, including information on Mexico’s ten UNESCO heritage cities, Pueblos Mágicos, natural wonders and even retirement options, see Visit Mexico.

I really enjoyed Puebla. This clean, modern city with a colonial heart has much to offer visitors. Even when I snuck off for an hour or two by myself to explore, I felt safe and met unfailing hospitality and courtesy. I took hundreds of photos and will be posting them soon. In the meantime, be sure to check out Puebla Tourism, official website of the State of Puebla.