The Spirit of McAllen shone brightly during McAllen Day at the Camino Real Polanco in Mexico City on Feb. 29.

The city’s delegation included 150 travel agents who arrived at a breakfast coordinated by three leading city officials. They are Daniella Plata, the director of international relations for the City of McAllen, Jeremy Santoscoy, McAllen International Airport’s director of aviation and the McAllen Convention and Visitors Bureau led by Leigh Wooldridge.

The Spirit of McAllen actually arrived the day before in the form of a 19-person contingent representing McAllen’s municipal government. Representatives from the CVB, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the McAllen business community also made the trip.

“We understand the importance of our relationship with Mexico, including the capitol in Mexico City,” said McAllen City Manager Roy Rodriguez. “Our area relies on our friends from Mexico to sustain a dynamic economy throughout the year. Most importantly, we recognize our neighbors to the south as friends and family.” 

New Connections

Daily nonstop flights that began Feb. 1 via one of McAllen’s newest airline partners, Aeromexico, will continue to foster these important relationships. 

“This new destination with Aeromexico gives our region the important nonstop daily flight to serve our business community, as well as connecting our family and friends,” said Santoscoy. 

The Aeromexico flight lands at a new airport, Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ángeles. The flight between McAllen and Mexico City via AIFA takes just over an hour. 

“AIFA serves as a relief airport for Mexico City International Airport, adding more capacity and reducing crowding,” said Plata, the director of international relations. “AIFA is a state-of-the-art facility, providing a great travel and cultural experience. The pride of a culture shows in every detail around the terminal.” 

A Warm & Informative Welcome

Upon arrival, the group raved about the expeditiousness of Customs operations at the airport and their sense of wonderment as they beheld AIFA. Airport personnel treated the contingent to a tour, which was capped by a private meeting with retired Brigadier Gen. Isidoro Pastor Roman, the AIFA director. He delivered a slide presentation to the group, showcasing AIFA’s remarkable growth in passengers and revenue since opening in March 2022. Pastor Roman said passengers traveling through AIFA will soon have access to the electric suburban railway system.

“The new leg of the Tren Suburbano connecting AIFA to downtown Mexico City is scheduled to be completed by June 2024,” Santoscoy said. “It will be the latest leg in the network and is estimated to take 45 minutes to arrive in central Mexico City, with connections and stops at multiple stations.” 

Making Connections

Joining travel agents as they listened to presentations was members of the media. Interspersing the presentations was a dynamic video about the Spirit of McAllen and all the city has to offer. 

“Our ability to connect with the media who keep Mexican nationals informed of opportunities in McAllen and to also have travel agents who help move people in Mexico for both business and pleasure is a huge win,” said Rodriguez, the city manager. 

Elizabeth Suarez, McAllen Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said the trip was important to boosting the city’s profile in Mexico City.

“McAllen Day is a premier opportunity for McAllen businesses to personally invite the Mexico City community to McAllen,” she said. “It is an opportunity for McAllen business people to personally engage with travel agents and promote their McAllen businesses. McAllen businesses take contact information for event attendees and have their sales team further develop sales leads.” 

Following the event, Rodriguez and Suarez met with a podcaster who develops destination webinars for travel agents.

“Roy and I pitched McAllen and spoke about hotels, food, and shopping options McAllen offers,” Suarez said. 

Getting Familiar

Beyond the new airport, the McAllen contingent enjoyed their visit with sightseeing, a bit of shopping, trompo-with-pineapple taco tasting, and learning the history of this alluring city. 

Plata offers a few must-sees on your visit to Mexico City.

“Mercado La Ciudadela for authentic Mexican crafts,’’ she said. “Palacio de Bellas Artes, the center of arts and prominent exhibits, and Zócalo de la Ciudad de México, the main square,’which used to be a ceremonial center of the Aztecs.” 

On March 1, the whirlwind trip ended with a quick, nonstop flight back to McAllen. But like the flight, the connections with our neighbors are nonstop.

“Our commitment to keep good relations with our counterparts in Mexico must continue to be part of our culture,” Rodriguez said. “This will not be a one-and-done type of visit. We have continually enhanced the relationship between both countries and will continue to do that.”