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During this extra-ordinary meeting, many important topics were discussed such as the importance of extending hours of operation of the Tecate port of entry, a cargo and tourist train that runs from the border to Tecate, the international bridge that will cross into the US from the Tijuana Airport.
Amongst the discussions was the recent naming of Tecate as a denominated Pueblo Magico —or Magical Town – a program developed by Mexico's Secretariat of Tourism to highlight towns with collective importance for nationals and foreigners alike. Tecate is the only Pueblo Magico thus far designated for the State of Baja California, and puts it in a list that includes towns like San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Cholula, and Real de Catorce. All of these topics are of great interest to both Mayors of what they both described as a Mega Region
According to Tecate's Mayor Cesar Moreno, "there are times when we don't have enough resources to make the improvements needed for our City, but days like today show that Tecate is continuously surrounding itself with good allies that understand the importance of joint collaboration and seeking efficient and sustainable solutions for our border region."
Similarly, Kevin Faulconer stated, "I am convinced that when all of the ports of entry are improved and we can achieve wait times of 30 minutes or less, it will be good for business on both sides of the Border of this Mega Region."
Mayor Moreno says that they are motivated by the "great interest and support that they have received from the City of San Diego and SANDAG to collaborate on projects that bring improvements," which he says will benefit those that visit and live on both sides of the border.
Alfonso Bustamante, Director of International Affairs for Tecate emphasizes the importance of public promotion campaigns, that are important for the reactivation of the tourism and business sectors "which is why it is the government's duty to support the creation of these ties as the good friends and neighbors that we are so that projects can be homologated and can support one another."
San Diego Mayor Faulconer has expressed interest in visiting Tecate during the next coming months.
Other participants in the meeting included Jaymie Bradford, Mayor Faulconer's Chief of Staff; Alejandra Gavaldon, The City of San Diego's Head of Binational Affairs; Hector Vanegas, Border Projects Coordinator for SANDAG; Hector Esparza, Economic Development and Tourism Director for Tecate; Francisco Romer, Director of Public Relations for Tecate; and Carolina Chavez, Coordinator of Binational Affairs for Tecate.
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