Baja California reinforced its promotional efforts and strategic positioning at IBTM Americas 2026, one of the most influential gatherings for the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism industry across the continent.
The state’s participation was designed to highlight its diverse tourism offerings to professionals specializing in the meeting industry.
Miguel Ángel Badiola Montaño, Baja California’s Secretary of Tourism, emphasized the state’s geographic advantages and its potential to forge connections beyond conventional markets, while also stressing the importance of utilizing such platforms to elevate the state’s profile and generate tangible opportunities throughout the tourism value chain.
In addition, he reaffirmed the state’s dedication to presenting Baja California and Mexico as a competitive, versatile, and well-prepared destination ready to host world-class events.
“Participating in spaces like this represents much more than a promotional opportunity,” he noted. “It brings us closer to new partners, strengthens existing relationships, and helps build projects that contribute directly to the growth of our state.”
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Networking Sessions
As part of its agenda, the Secretariat of Tourism organized a series of networking sessions that brought together key members of Baja California’s tourism ecosystem.
These efforts resulted in more than 350 business appointments, generated through targeted presentations of the state’s MICE advantages to travel agents, meeting planners, travel managers, and wedding specialists.
In addition, Badiola Montaño held dedicated meetings with representatives from the corporate travel sector.
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Meetings with Travel Managers
During these discussions, he outlined the primary strategic initiatives led by the state’s tourism agency, aimed at fostering stronger integration between local service providers and both national and international buyers.
The conversations with travel managers focused specifically on positioning Baja California’s unique experiences and offerings within the corporate travel market. Priority was given to engaging decision-makers responsible for selecting destinations, hotels, and venues for meetings, incentives, and business events.
“For us, tourism growth truly makes sense when it translates into shared well-being for our communities,” said the secretary.
Tourism Development Impact
He added that the state is committed to ensuring that tourism development generates positive impacts not only for visitors but also for local residents.
Both the networking sessions and business meetings were enriched by gastronomic experiences that served as both promotional tools and networking spaces.
The culinary identity of Baja California was showcased by chefs Rubén Zamora, of Cordero Negro, and Alejandro Torres, representing Envero.
The opening of the 2026 edition of IBTM Americas featured the participation of Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, alongside other prominent national and international figures from the meetings industry.
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About IBTM Americas
Incentives, Business, Travel & Meetings Americas is a specialized platform dedicated to the meetings and events industry across the continent.
Over two days, the event convenes professionals from the entire value chain, connecting destinations, suppliers, associations, hotels, and event specialists.
The 2026 edition, held on August 19 and 20 in Mexico City, drew more than 4,000 industry professionals and featured at least 450 exhibitors, offering substantial visibility for other destinations in Mexico and other parts of the world.
Beyond business appointments, IBTM Americas included networking lounges, conferences, and content sessions covering innovation, leadership, artificial intelligence, customer experience, and emerging trends shaping the future of the meetings industry.
