Tips for a business trip to Mexico

The "México Lindo" isn't just the letter of a ranchera. It is the conception that more and more companies have of the Aztec country when organizing their MICE trips. Likewise, Mexico also seems attractive to many companies that are increasingly betting on establishing commercial relations.

Many cities, due to their economic strength, offer interesting commercial opportunities for foreign companies, such as Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Ciudad del Carmen, and Puebla, among others.

Thus, "Mexico is the best destination in Latin America for business travel," according to the report 'Future trends for the segment of meetings and events 2019,' by Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), which states that the Aztec country has experienced a growth of 18.8 percent in this segment, compared to an increase of 15.5 percent that experienced the whole of Latin America in meeting tourism.

The study highlights that Mexico hosts two of the most important business travel destinations in Latin America: Mexico City and Cancun. Both cities have seen an increase in the number of business travelers from North America and Europe.

The reason, the availability of flights, as well as its hotel and entertainment offer. According to CWT data, in 2018, national and international conventions managed by the company's Meetings & Events division increased by 12.7 percent, while incentive travel increased by 8.9 percent.

For its part, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), also places this city as one of the main business destinations, given its rapid growth, ranking among the top of the ranking along with Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Poland, and Turkey.

Business trips to Mexico are increasingly becoming one of the first options for MICE tourism. The country has the necessary infrastructure for any type of event, congress, or business meeting. Mexico City now ranks as one of the top ten destinations in the world for major international congresses and conventions.

Likewise, the Aztec country has a great variety of hotels, adapted to all budgets. From impressive five-star skyscrapers to minimalist or historic boutique hotels. In addition, most offer business centers and sports centers.

According to the World Tourism Organization, Mexico is the main tourist destination in Latin America and the sixth most visited in the world. This is due, to a great extent, to the 34 cultural or natural sites that are considered World Heritage by UNESCO, and is, in this sense, the first country in the American continent and the sixth in the world.

Recommendations if you travel to Mexico for business

For your next business trip to Mexico, keep in mind that, in some respects, 'we don't speak the same language.

In Mexico, the business hierarchy has great weight and it is common to name and address people by mentioning their professional titles. However, referring to yourself by your professional title can be interpreted as a certain arrogance.

As for relations with Mexicans, we can say that they 'require time', as distrust is often a dominant tone with strangers. To gain their trust, it is advisable to maintain continuous communication and, of course, to be very courteous. This way, mails or habitual calls will be positive. However, it is advisable to make visits. Two or three a year. And, of course, to close deals, better in person.

An important aspect to keep in mind is that Mexicans are very reluctant to "no". They consider it a discourtesy. That is to say, if you have in your hands a project in which, surely, they are not interested, they will never be clear in the approach. They will always comment that they are studying it.

At the time of attending a meeting, before entering into the matter of usually engage in a brief conversation about time, family, hobbies ... In short, to get to know each other personally a little.

By the way, if you're late for the meeting, don't worry! In Mexico, punctuality is not a priority. Appointments are often delayed. And if they tell you that the meeting starts "right now," take the opportunity to have a coffee or check your email. The matter can take a long time.

As for the greeting formula, the men shake hands, but when the relationship has a certain 'closeness', that shake is followed by a hug. With women, the greeting is usually a formal handshake and sometimes a kiss on the cheek.

As for non-verbal language, it should be safe and convey confidence. In addition, physical contact is common.

What to visit in Mexico?

If you have some free time on your business trip to Mexico or you are lucky enough to be able to extend your stay for a few days, we suggest you visit some essential places of this wonderful country:

San Miguel de Allende, a city of vibrant colors, cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and craft markets.

Chichen Itza, one of the seven wonders of the world and the most famous Mayan ruin in the world. Located in the tourist zone of the Yucatan Peninsula, it receives more than one million tourists each year.

San Cristóbal de Las Casas, a 'magical town' in the state of Chiapas. The most outstanding notes are its colonial buildings and bohemian atmosphere. In addition, from this city, you can make several excursions around the area, such as touring the Sumidero Canyon by boat or visiting the church of San Juan Chamula.

Palenque, an essential Mayan archaeological site located in the middle of a tropical jungle that stands out for the good state of conservation of its buildings and sculptures.

Isla Mujeres. If you are one of the lucky ones who can enjoy the beach, don't forget to visit this island. White sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, murals, and beautiful sunsets allow you to disconnect and get the most out of bleisure.