Veracruz expands World Trade Center and pursues cruise ship return to boost tourism economy

Governor Rocío Nahle announced the start of remodeling and expansion work at the World Trade Center in Boca del Río, Veracruz. The project will more than double the venue’s capacity from about 8‑9,000 to roughly 20,000 attendees, a change officials say will enable larger conventions, concerts and other events and generate a significant economic spill‑over for the conurbated area.

Tourism officials are also working to bring cruise ships back to the port of Veracruz. State tourism secretary Igor Rojí López said negotiations with port authorities, the national port system and cruise operators are underway, aiming to present Veracruz’s tourism product to primarily North‑American cruise lines. He noted that a single cruise ship can bring up to 3,000 tourists and that the effort could bear fruit within a year to a year‑and‑a‑half, providing certainty to navies that the city can accommodate international visitors safely and with quality services.