By Juan Pablo Sebastián
To drive growth in specific tourism sectors and unify efforts with business representatives, the municipal government aims to strengthen the Tourism and Conventions Committee (COTUCO) through the establishment of new specialized areas and a streamlined agenda.
Initial steps were taken under outgoing director Silvia Dagnino Montaño, while newly appointed director Irán Leonardo Verdugo Contreras will carry forward and solidify these efforts.
During a meeting with the Business Coordinating Council, chaired by Gustavo Torres, Verdugo Contreras outlined his vision to enhance COTUCO’s operations, although a definitive proposal for the budget increase required has yet to be presented.
“We’re working to develop a unified agenda, with tourism fairs serving as a showcase to attract national markets, support local businesses, and strengthen our role as hosts,” said Verdugo Contreras.
“We’re currently setting a budget ceiling with the Treasury Department to address needs for 2025, including new departments and initiatives.”
Outgoing COTUCO president César Rivera explained that the new departments will include a Tourism Product Integration Department and a Congress and Conventions Department, each staffed by industry specialists.
“These new positions have been approved. Next, we must secure expanded funding, not only for marketing but also for integrating tourism products.
“We want to catalog Rosarito’s unique experiences, package them for sale, and partner with service providers. Additionally, the meetings and conventions sector is a priority, similar to the specialized structure COTUCO Tijuana has developed.”
Rivera emphasized that recent organizational changes have aimed solely at strengthening COTUCO.
While COTUCO’s director is appointed by the current mayor and confirmed by the board, the president is elected by citizen representatives on the board, requiring a qualified majority vote or a simple majority if the qualified majority is not met.
The board also has the authority to remove the president for just cause.