May 23, 2025

The largest annual tourism event in Mexico, Tianguis Turistico, was hosted in our region last month and the Chamber had the opportunity to represent San Diego in a series of events. Not only was this a first for a northern state to host, but the first binational tourism event promoting CaliBaja as a two-nation destination.  

The weeklong event started off with elected officials from both sides of the border inaugurating “Ventana Mexico” at Liberty Station on May 26th, including Governor of Baja California Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism Josefina Rodriguez, Baja Secretary of Tourism Miguel Aguiñiga, and San Diego and Tijuana Mayors Todd Gloria and Ismael Burgueño. That weekend, 28 Mexican states shared their music, art, and information on various tourist attractions. 

Then, Chamber staff, including Interim President and CEO Jessica Anderson and VP of International and Public Affairs Kenia Zamarripa, traveled south of the border to the inauguration ceremony where they connected with key leaders from Mexico’s federal, state, and local governments, including Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Juan Ramon de la Fuente, Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodriguez, and Economic Development Business Council, Altagracia Gomez Sierra.  

Tianguis Turistico has taken place annually since 1975 yet concluded its event in Baja California with an economic spillover of 1,380 millions pesos ($67 million dollars) and breaking the Guinness record for the largest attendance. Over 1,700 buyers participated in this event, of which 42% were from the U.S. and Canada, and 49% resulted in direct sales.