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Biting Questions with Cesar Castañeda of the Mexico Tourism Board
Cesar Castañeda
17SEPT07
What is your job title? I am the Director, responsible for Toronto and Montreal offices of the tourism board. In all we are a team of eight.
What are your key functions? I look after negotiations with our tour operator partners, coordinating our ad campaigns and in general promoting Mexico to travel agents and the public.
Chichen Itza is a new “7th Wonder of the World” – how cool is that? We were really happy to get that news. It’ll help us promote Mexico as more than a beach destination – we actually have almost 200,000 archaeological sites.
Do you prefer working in Toronto or Montreal? (laughs) Each city is important in its own way. I find the Quebec market really enjoys the diversity of Mexico, but Ontario is really important as it’s here we negotiate with tour operators from right across the country.
Can you tell us a little about your educational background? I have an economics degree from Mexico City and a Master’s and PhD in Economic History from Paris. But tourism has really interested me right from the beginning.
What was the strangest job you’ve ever had? Selling poinsettia flowers when I was a kid in Mexico City!
What would you say is your greatest strength? I’m not afraid to try to do things a little differently, take risks, try new ideas.
What is your favourite vacation destination? The state of Chiapas, in Mexico - it has the jungle, archaeology sites, colonial cities, kayaking, the beach...everything!
Which destination you haven’t yet seen would you like to see? The North Pole! I must admit I like snow.
Do you play any sport? I love extreme sports such as snowboarding and surfing. I started snowboarding in Europe and now I go to Tremblant and St. Saveur.
What is your biggest extravagance?Books and antiques.
What book’s on your bedside table right now? A book about Trotsky.
Who was the biggest influence in your life? My grandfather. He was an engineer and when I was little he used to make toys for me…and he went on to give me my love of math.
Name three people, living or dead, real or fictional, you’d like to have dinner with? My grandfather, Felipe Calderon - the President of Mexico - and a medieval knight.
What would you say to clients who say “I’ve been to the Mayan Riviera, so I’ve ‘done’ Mexico”? Mexico has all the climates of the world from snowy volcanoes to beaches and mangroves. I’m fortunate to have visited 28 of the 32 states – but I know I still have lots to discover.
We have to ask this…who cuts your hair? Me!
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