This type of tourism plays an increasingly important role in our societies and in our lives and has a direct impact on the development of tourism and economic activity
When inaugurating the First World Congress of Welfare and Health for the Dogs of the World, organized by the Mexican Canophile Federation (FCM), the head of the Tourism Secretariat (Sectur) indicated that, according to the INEGI National Welfare Survey, In Mexico there are 25 million households with pets, that is, 69.8% of the total, and almost 80 million pets live within these households, of which 43.8 million are canines, that is, 54.8%.
“This has had a direct impact on the provision of services related to the tourism sector, since there are establishments called ‘Pet Friendly’, where people can enter accompanied by their dogs,” he said.
Torruco Marqués explained that, in the case of lodging centers, the rooms have a bed for their rest and containers for their food. Likewise, various activities have been designed for these little animals on the beach or in the pool, as well as spa services, as well as beauty salons and accessory stores.
For their part, the airlines allow the passenger to travel with their pet in the cabin, as long as certain requirements are met so as not to affect the safety, tranquility and comfort of other travelers; and in the case of restaurants, some of them welcome these canines in their facilities, even offering a special menu for them, or celebrating their birthdays.
The Secretary of Tourism pointed out that the activities around the dogs have increased, and an example of this is the holding of events of national and international stature.
For example, Mexico has hosted several editions of the “World Dog Show”, the “International Congress of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics”, and the “Intercontinental Dog Expo”, and now the “First World Congress of Welfare and Health for Dogs”. Perros del Mundo”, which also strengthens meeting tourism, a segment with a great impact on the tourist economy.
He stated that this market niche, better known as “MICE”, in 2019 represented a spill of 35 billion dollars, which was equivalent to approximately 1.6% of the National GDP, generating around 900 thousand jobs and 30 million room nights per night. year, as well as 18.8% of the occupied night rooms in the country.
He stressed that meeting tourism plays a regulatory role in the seasonality of tourist demand, guaranteeing hotel occupancy in low seasons and raising the average spending of visitors, which is one of the main challenges of the current government headed by the president of Mexico. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
“At the Tourism Secretariat I am in charge of, we are fully aware of its importance, which is why we will continue promoting it, so that our nation positions itself among the main recipients of congresses and conventions in Latin America and the world,” declared Torruco Marqués.
He reported that in 2019, according to the criteria of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), there were more than 12,900 events that rotated across all continents, an amount that doubled every 10 years. The United States ranked first, with 947 conferences; followed by Germany, with 642; and Spain, with 595. Mexico ranked 23rd, reporting 197 congresses.
“Without a doubt, Mexico is a highly competitive country worldwide in the meeting tourism industry, because it has a wide and growing infrastructure of tourist services to carry out congresses, incentive trips, conferences, conventions, meetings or exhibitions, in addition to excellent quality and warmth in the service”, he assured.
In this sense, the head of Sectur highlighted the 47th edition of the Tianguis Turístico México, which will take place for the first time in Mexico City, from March 26 to 29, 2023, for which he extended the invitation to the members of the FCM to participate in the most important tourism fair in our country.
He specified that with the underpinning of meeting tourism, we contribute to the economic recovery of the tourism sector in Mexico, which is on the rise, as evidenced by the arrival of 42 million 100 thousand international visitors in the period January-August 2022, which It means a recovery of almost 65% compared to what was registered in the same interval of 2019.
This recovery of the tourism sector is thanks to the policies of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, by not restricting international flights; to be the first country in Latin America where biosanitary protocols were applied in coordination between the private sector, the Ministry of Health and Sectur; and the non-indebtedness that allowed acquiring the vaccines against Covid-19.
“The figures are encouraging, but they commit us not to lower our guard and, even more so, to redouble our efforts to consolidate Mexico as a world-class destination and a tourist power. I congratulate you for organizing this congress, wishing it to be very fruitful and contribute to the greater well-being of the so-called ‘man’s best friend,’” concluded Torruco Marqués.
For his part, José Luis Payró Dueñas, president of the FCM, thanked the Secretary of Tourism for attending the inauguration of this First World Congress on Welfare and Health for the World’s Dogs, which brought together delegates from 30 countries on four continents, in which world-renowned veterinarians and professionals in animal welfare stand out. He also pointed out that they will consider the invitation to participate in the Tianguis Turístico México 2023.
On his occasion, Tamás Jakkel, president of the FederationCynologique Internationale (FCI), recognized the work of the FCM, as well as the support of Sectur, to carry out this congress that will set a precedent in the matter.
Source: Gobierno de México
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