Aguascalientes seeks to diversify its tourism offer

Aguascalientes wants to be known as a destination for the whole year, not only during its biggest fair. Tourism Secretary Mauricio González López says the state must diversify its offer to attract visitors beyond the National Fair of San Marcos.

In an interview with EL UNIVERSAL, González highlighted the Wine Route, the Grape Fair, the Festival Cultural de Calaveras, the state's four Pueblos Mágicos, ecotourism and sporting events. He said younger visitors increasingly seek experiences connected with nature, local communities and the people who produce the goods and services they consume.

"Tourism is changing and evolving. Young people are looking for more human tourism, community tourism, ecotourism and experiential tourism," he said. The state therefore wants visitors to meet the producers of its wine, mezcal and handicrafts while taking part in nature and adventure activities.

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Tourism is changing and evolving. Young people are looking for more human tourism, community tourism, ecotourism and experiential tourism.

The main priorities are bringing back the Grape Fair and strengthening the Wine Route. Aguascalientes now has 24 wineries, most of which offer wine tourism experiences, including cellar tours, restaurants, accommodation and visitor activities. González said the fair should help showcase and promote the wines produced in the state.

He also said Aguascalientes could turn the Festival Cultural de Calaveras, held from October 30 to November 8, into one of Mexico's leading events. The state is the birthplace of José Guadalupe Posada, creator of La Catrina. Other plans include expanding mezcal, food, ecotourism, conventions and sports tourism, including international events such as NASCAR races. González aims to raise tourism activity, especially hotel occupancy, by 15% to 20%, while professionalizing the sector.

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We need to bring back the Grape Fair to project, showcase and celebrate all the wines being made in Aguascalientes.