Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, June 2011

   Monterrey enjoys a privileged geographic location, in the north of Mexico and very close to the border with Texas. The city has earned renown worldwide for a variety of reasons, principally for its business climate, strong entrepreneurial culture, prestigious institutions of higher education and a world-class health sector with leading medical centers.

   According to a study published in the June 2011 edition of the business magazine Mundo Ejecutivo, Monterrey is ranked as Mexico’s leading place to study, work, invest, live or retire, from among 74 cities studied.

   However, excessive media coverage of criminal activity in Mexico over the last few months has had a negative impact on the perception of Monterrey abroad.

   A comparison of homicide figures per 100,000 inhabitants during 2010 shows that Monterrey - with a figure of 13.2 - is far below US cities such as New Orleans (52.2), Detroit (33.9) and Washington (22).

   These figures were attained from a list of the world’s 50 most dangerous cities published by a Mexican NGO called the National Council for Public Safety and Justice. Ciudad Juarez (Mexico) heads the list with 229 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Kandahar (Afghanistan) with 169.9, San Pedro Sula (Honduras) with 125 and Caracas (Venezuela) with 118.6. It is important to note that Monterrey did not appear on the list at all.

   The Nuevo Leon state government has implemented a series of actions to halt the crime wave and safeguard the public, including crime prevention programs, professionalization of police forces, acquisition of special tactical equipment and the creation of a new centralized command and control system, among others.

   Monterrey continues to be a safe city for those who visit and an unrivalled place for doing business. According to the Economic Development Secretariat, direct foreign investment climbed to $1.99 billion USD in 2010, compared to $1.39 billion in 2009.

   In 2010, Monterrey welcomed 212,000 visitors to 149 events supported by the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau. Not a single incident was reported involving visitors to an event or tourists passing through the city.

   The city has much to offer in terms of entertainment and culture, as well as extensive infrastructure for holding congresses and conventions. Monterrey has successfully hosted a variety of major global events, with more being scheduled all the time, such as the following upcoming events, all of which are in the 2,000+ attendee category:

   Beyond the attendance numbers, what really demonstrates the attraction and success of holding events in the state of Nuevo Leon are the testimonials of those who have done it themselves. "We received tremendous support in the promotional strategy for the event, which was reflected in a 30% increase in attendance over the previous show," said Jorge Arizmendi, organizer of the 2011 Plastics Show, held February 22 to 24, adding that "the exhibitors continue to see Monterrey as a prosperous city, as Mexico’s industrial capital" For his part, Hector Elizondo, chairman of the organizing committee for the 2011 Meat Show, held in the city February 2 to 4, stated: "We are very grateful for the advertising support we were given, which boosted our event’s pre-registration by 10%, giving us a turnout of 5,000 visitors from the meat industry".

   We extend a cordial invitation to visit Monterrey and the state of Nuevo Leon, and for visitors to see for themselves its remarkable attractions, park lands, museums, culinary delights and above all its people.

   Please check out our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/ocvmty776) where you’ll find comments from people who have participated in events in Monterrey over the last few months and who state clearly how much they have enjoyed their visit.

   In Nuevo Leon you’ll find nothing but warm smiles waiting to greet you.



Cordially,

Monterrey Convention and Visitors Bureau.