Eduardo Chaillo


Eduardo Chaillo CMP, CMM, CASE, CITP, DES is a Mexican tourism consultant and former government official and diplomat who has been recognized for his work strengthening the competitiveness of destinations across Latin America. He has worked in tourism development and the meetings industry across Latin America and served as U.S. and Canada Regional Director for the Mexico Tourism Board at Mexico's Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Personal history

Chaillo was born in Mexico City to Eduardo Chaillo Canan, of Syrian Jewish descent, and Martha Ortiz, who was of Mexican Catholic heritage. He and his sister, Emilia, were raised in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious household in Mexico City. During his youth, Chaillo worked at his parents' restaurant,, which provided his initial experience in the hospitality industry.
He attended the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), where he received a degree in business administration with a focus in business operations and supervision. During his time at ITAM, he met his future wife Fabiola Lizárraga Ruz. The couple married in 1992 and have three daughters: Faby, Dany, and Regina.

Professional career

Public sector

Chaillo served as Minister of Tourism for the State of Zacatecas from 1996 to 1998. He subsequently held positions with the Mexican Ministry of Tourism and the Mexican Tourism Board, where he directed six editions of the Tianguis Turístico trade show and established the Mexico Convention Bureau within the CPTM during its operation as a government agency.
From 2005 to 2013, he served as Regional Director for the United States and Canada and later as Executive Director for the Meetings Industry at CPTM. In these roles, he positioned Mexico as a leading international destination for congresses, exhibitions, and incentive travel by coordinating strategies with global associations and local stakeholders.

Private sector

In 2013, Chaillo founded, a consulting firm that advises destinations, venues, and governments on competitiveness strategies, economic impact studies, cluster development, and the attraction of international events. In 2014, he joined Maritz as Global General Manager for Latin America, taking a leadership role in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.

Industry involvement

Chaillo has held various volunteer leadership positions in tourism and meetings industry organizations:

Publications and academia

Chaillo writes the column "Punto de Encuentro" in the newspaper El Momento, and has contributed articles to publications including Panorama Turístico,'' Portal de las Américas, MDC magazine, Latin America Meetings, and Eventos Latinoamericanos''. He has lectured on business administration, entrepreneurship, and marketing at universities in Mexico.

Awards

  • 2025: Fiexpo 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award/Professional Trajectory Award
  • 2019: Visionary Award, PCMA Foundation
  • 2019: XXIX Cátedra de Turismo Fundación Miguel Alemán 2019
  • 2016 MPI Mexico, Heel Award for Excellence
  • 2015: Premio Latino, Flexpo Latino
  • 2013: Hall of Leaders, Events Industry Council
  • 2011: 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry
  • 2011: Profile and Power Award, Joint Meetings Industry Council
  • 2009: Global Industry Award, IMEX Group
  • 2009: Kevin Forde Award, ''SITE''