FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2025
Media Contact Information:
Frank Johnson
Phone number
Director@VisitGilroy.com
VISIT GILROY HOSTS INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL DELEGATION AS PART OF VISIT CALIFORNIA’S INAUGURAL MEXICO REVERSE MISSION
GILROY, California — Visit Gilroy (https://visitgilroy.com/) proudly welcomed a group of top travel professionals from Mexico recently as part of Visit California’s first-ever Mexico Reverse Mission.
This prestigious international initiative was designed to strengthen relationships and drive tourism from Mexico, California’s largest overseas visitor market.
Gilroy was one of only a handful of destinations selected by Visit California to participate in this landmark program, an honor typically reserved for much larger, more widely known cities like San Francisco or Anaheim, according to Frank Johnson, Visit Gilroy’s executive director.
“Gilroy was one of the smallest communities included on their trip, which was quite an honor,” Johnson said. “This was a rare opportunity to show international travel leaders that Gilroy is a vibrant, welcoming hub with deep cultural roots, unique attractions and a strong sense of place.”
The delegation of tourism executives represented major travel brands including Viajes El Corte Inglés, Price Travel and Viaggi. Mexico continues to be the leading international market for California tourism, both in terms of visitation and visitor spending, according to Visit California, the statewide tourism organization.
Nine delegates visited Gilroy and enjoyed a customized, immersive itinerary highlighting the city’s charm, culture and culinary identity.
They stayed overnight and had breakfast with Gilroy Mayor Greg Bozzo at the studio of renowned local artist Nacho Moya, followed by a guided walking tour of downtown Gilroy hot spots, murals and galleries. The group also experienced a tasting of garlic ice cream at LJB Farms, a ranger-guided visit to the historic Chitactac-Adams Native American site, and a tour of Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, including a preview of the new Cherry Jubilee menu.
“Our guests found the visit to Gilroy very enlightening and gained a greater understanding of how Gilroy fulfills the needs of travelers who seek off the beaten path and genuinely unique experiences,” Johnson said.
The delegates departed with a new understanding of how Gilroy can serve as a gateway for exploring the Central Coast and the greater Bay Area, Johnson said, offering an ideal blend of affordability, authenticity and accessibility.
Visit Gilroy extends heartfelt thanks to its community partners for helping to showcase the best of what Gilroy has to offer. Learn more about tourism opportunities in Gilroy at https://visitgilroy.com/.
