The numbers from Statcan's International Travel: Advance Information (why do they call it advance if it's in the past?) are out. The US decline continues - down 7.9 from September 2006. Mexico and Spain both significantly up (Olé). Mexico crossed the 200,000 visitors' mark in September. Recall that last year's total number was 213,000 and we still have three months of numbers to see (December by the way is looking good according to my sources in Mexico). Spain, while in absolute numbers is still no where near Mexico, has already surpassed its 2006 numbers (56,830) with 57,912 visitors from Jan to Sept.Big news out of Mexico City. Get this. The municipal government has decided to give Chilangos (Mexico City residents) a gift for Christmas. They are setting up, what they are calling the largest man made outdoor skating rink in the world right in the historic heart of the city, the Zócalo. The rink will have capacity for 1,200 people. How's that for innovation. Maybe Toronto can install a covered man-made beach in Dundas Square next winter. Kidding aside, this is a great opportunity for Canada (e.g. Quebec City, Ottawa, Montréal) to get some exposure in the market without a big investment. Maybe Mexico's CTC is already doing something, I don't know, but perhaps a DMO can sponsor free skate rental or find a way to set up a booth to give away free hot chocolate. Or fly in a few skaters to give demonstrations and/or lessons. Many ideas come to mind. The point is to "insert" Canada into the buzz that this rink will create all over Mexico (Steve Wright where are you?). (I will try to get a picture of the rink asap - it opens December 1st. Mayor Ebrard will be one of the first to skate on it)
Saludos,
Jaime
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