If you’re a Canadian travel advisor unfamiliar with Mexico’s Zacatecas, don’t worry: you aren’t alone.
But if tourism officials of the state, located inland in the heart of northern central Mexico, have their way, it will be making its name more familiar to travel advisors and consumers alike.
Such was the message at a presentation, cocktail party, and dinner hosted on 18JUL at authentically Mexican Casa Mexcal in downtown Toronto. Our host, Le Roy Barragan, Secretary of Tourism for Zacatecas (“zak-ah-TEK-as”), gave a 40-minute presentation highlighting many of the region’s attractions.
1700 km and a world away from Cancun, Zacatecas is more suited to clients who love exploring Europe more than soaking up the rays of the beachfront. History, art, culture, music, dance, and countless festivals are all part of the appeal. The capital, also called Zacatecas (population 400,000), is a museum lover’s delight with several art galleries, including the Rafael Coronel, located in a 16th-century former convent – which is, according to Lonely Planet, “not to be missed.” The city boasts over 500 years of history, making it also a history buff and photographer’s dream.
And one must-do is a ride over the city in a cable car, a wonderful way to experience the view.
Annual events include the National Fair (picture the PNE or CNE on steroids), street theatre, jazz, and of course the Day of the Dead. For a wonderful selection of videos about Zacatecas, click here.
Officials were careful to point out that, while not yet a household name, Zacatecas (ZCL) is easily accessible via CHI, DFW or MEX.
One big fan is Ethel Hansen Davey of Uniglobe Enterprise Travel, who visited the region on a FAM. “The art is incredible – and the cathedral is the only baroque one in Mexico.” The city, she told Open Jaw, is very walkable and she felt extremely safe. “I feel confident selling it to the right client and can personally recommend the elegant Quinta Real Hotel – located, believe it or not, in what was a 19th century bullring.”
Zacatecas is also renowned for destination weddings, and couples from as far away as Dubai have travelled there to tie the knot. The wedding industry is sophisticated and thriving, with imagination combined with extravagance to produce unforgettable events.
And for the client who really wants a bit of beach at the same time, you could suggest a 2-centre split with MZT or PVR, making for a wonderful 2-vacations-in-1 trip.
Find out more at zacatecastravel.com.
