### Winners of the 2024 Tourism Merit Award Honored
The Tijuana Tourism and Convention Committee (Cotuco) celebrated the distinguished recipients of the 33rd Annual Tourism Merit Awards on the evening of September 26, 2024. The event took place at the lighthouse in Playas de Tijuana under a bohemian atmosphere due to an unexpected power outage. Nevertheless, the staff was prepared with backup generators and candle decorations, creating an intimate and charming setting.
Karim Chalita RodrÃguez, Cotuco’s president, inaugurated the ceremony, commemorating the inception of the awards in 1990. This year marked a milestone with public nominations and five honorary mentions in categories such as culture, urban cuisine, event of the year, city promoter, and academic excellence.
The International Tourism Merit Award was presented virtually to the Mexican ambassador in San Diego, Carlos González Gutiérrez. The Business Tourism Merit Award was given to Grupo Cosmopolitan, while Chef Ruffo Ibarra received the Individual Tourism Merit Award.
Among the honorary mentions, Dr. Nora Leticia Bringas Rábago was honored as the Tourism Research Merit Award winner for 2023. Dr. Bringas holds a PhD in Geography and Territorial Planning with a specialization in Tourism from the University of Paris. Other notable mentions included Mariscos El Mazateño for Best Urban Cuisine, José Madueño for Promoter of the Year, Master Javier Bátiz for Cultural Promoter, and the tenth-anniversary celebration of the Tijuana Toros as Event of the Year for 2023.
### Secondary Update: Major Tourism Developments in Tijuana
In related tourism news, Tijuana continues to expand its efforts to boost local and international travel. The city’s ongoing initiatives include significant clean-up efforts on beaches to promote environmental awareness and tourism. Additionally, the construction of the malecon continues, although it remains temporarily suspended due to unforeseen setbacks. Meanwhile, the viaduct project at Cañón Zapata might face delays in completion, according to recent reports.
Moreover, the return of the International Poetry Festival Caracol Tijuana 2024 promises to attract literary enthusiasts from all over the globe, further cementing Tijuana’s reputation as a cultural hub.
These developments underscore Tijuana’s commitment to enhancing its tourism appeal through cultural events, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure improvements.
For more information and updates on tourism and cultural events in Tijuana, visit TJGringo.com.