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-Editorial
The Employers’ Confederation of the Mexican Republic (COPARMEX) Mexicali has officially launched its Tourism Commission, a new collaborative platform aimed at driving sustainable tourism development, fostering innovation, and creating business synergies to strengthen the region’s competitiveness as a destination.
Business leaders, tourism representatives, and strategic partners gathered at COPARMEX Mexicali’s RVS&CIA Hall to learn about the commission’s mission, action plans, and opportunities.
COPARMEX Mexicali President Ernesto García Manjarrez emphasized that the organization seeks the common good through the dedication of its volunteers. “It is cause for celebration when people of all ages, especially young people, dedicate their time to improving our community. The Tourism Commission is born with the vision of promoting responsible, competitive, and sustainable tourism, generating pride in our city and new economic opportunities for everyone,” García said.
The commission will be led by President Pedro Emmanuel Félix Mendoza, who underscored Mexicali’s potential as a tourism destination. “Many may not see it this way, but as the state capital, our city is attractive to national and international visitors. The key lies in developing tourism products that showcase our strengths and attractions,” he stated.
Vice President Luis Aguirre Bravo highlighted the importance of continuous training to “refresh ourselves and understand the needs of the sector.” He also noted that the commission will align with the objectives of the national COPARMEX Tourism Commission. The newly introduced organizational structure will work in coordination with institutions, authorities, and business leaders to enhance the city’s tourism offerings and competitiveness.
The event featured a presentation of Mexicali’s tourism assets: three border crossings with the United States, a robust medical tourism industry, an international airport, more than 70 hotels, and direct highway connections to San Felipe to the south, Tijuana and the coastal region to the west, and Sonora to the east. Cultural and heritage attractions include museums, arts centers, and La Chinesca—the first designated Barrio Mágico in Mexico.
Mexicali’s culinary scene offers craft beer, Chinese cuisine, steaks, seafood, date-based products, and farm-to-table experiences in the Mexicali Valley. For nature tourism, the region boasts destinations such as El Ciempiés, Cerro Prieto, Centinela, Naturalis Cucapah, the Río Hardy, Cañón de Guadalupe, and sandboarding sites.
The city’s entertainment offerings range from professional sports—home to the Águilas de Mexicali baseball team and Soles de Mexicali basketball team—to concerts, theaters, bars, and the annual Fiestas del Sol.
The launch received strong support from local tourism leaders, including María de los Ángeles Murillo Flores, Director of the Mexicali Tourism and Conventions Committee; Aldo Daniel Gutiérrez Basulto, Mexicali Delegate for the Baja California State Tourism Secretariat; Rafael Contreras, President of the Baja California Hosts and Tour Operators Association (ATOPBC); and Iván Cortez, ATOPBC Secretary, who witnessed the start of what is expected to be a new chapter for the city’s tourism sector.