The Mexican state of Jalisco is preparing to host four FIFA World Cup matches next month (June), putting the destination firmly on the international map as it continues to promote its long-term tourism growth.
The birthplace of tequila and mariachi, Jalisco is home to some of Mexico’s most iconic cultural exports.
With the four World Cup games all based in Guadalajara, the state capital is gearing up for an influx of international visitors.
Jalisco Minister of Tourism Michelle Fridman said: “It’s a massive year for us with so many events happening and a great excuse to come. If you think you know Mexico, you need to go to Jalisco; it really is the most Mexican destination.
“We know UK fans are very special, there’s not going to be a better host city than Guadalajara. Think tequila, mariachi, tradition, parties, it’s all here.”
The state will have around 90,000 hotel rooms in place by the time the World Cup arrives, supported by 40 new hotel openings across Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Costalegre, including luxury brands such as Six Senses and Four Seasons.
For agents, Jalisco wants to promote the varied itineraries it can offer clients within the single state.
Guadalajara is a dynamic, creative city with a rich cultural and architectural scene. From there, the ‘Tequila Train’ offers a two-hour journey through the agave-covered landscape to the town of Tequila, one of ‘12 Magical Towns’ across the state.
Agents can then route clients south to popular coastal destination of Puerto Vallarta (pictured below), a favourite for its beaches, whale watching and mountain scenery.
Finally, there’s Costalegre, also known as the ‘Happy Coast’ which is a stretch of the Pacific coastline that Michelle describes as ‘a beautiful, undeveloped area that offers a completely different experience to anywhere else in Mexico’.
The UK remains one of Jalisco’s biggest European markets, with almost 8,000 British tourists visiting each year. The state held trade missions in London and Manchester earlier this year and is increasing its presence at key trade shows, including World Travel Market in London and ITB.
When it comes to airlift, Jalisco is currently well served via Mexico City, US hubs including New York and Atlanta, and Madrid, but Michelle would love for a direct London link to return (a route TUI previously offered).
She said: “We would love to get connectivity back to London, we know the numbers are there. It’s our biggest unserved European market alongside Paris. We don’t know when it will happen, but we would love it.”
Find out more about Jalisco visitjalisco.mx
