Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico
Guaymas,
Sonora, Mexico was selected as Mesa's first Sister City in 1981
for several reasons. Then-Governor Bruce Babbitt was strongly
encouraging all Arizona cities to form sister city relationships
with a city in Sonora, Mexico as part of his program to promote
greater understanding and increased trade between Arizona and
Sonora. Guaymas, like Mesa, is the third largest city in the
State.
Guaymas is located about 250 miles south of the United States
border on the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) and is
accessible by car (an 8-9 hour drive) or by air (a direct 1-hour
flight.) The city is home to more than 200,000 people. Guaymas,
in addition to its active seaport, is known for its water
recreation opportunities. A resort area, San Carlos, has been
developed about 15 kilometers northwest of Guaymas, and attracts
visitors to its beaches, marinas, and hotels.
Guaymas is Mesa's most active Sister City, due to the proximity
of the two communities. For many years, the City of Mesa and the
Mesa Sister City Association have sponsored a float in Guaymas'
annual Carnival parade, and have sent a delegation to take part
in the festivities.
Guaymas delegations have been hosted at our Cinco de
Mayo celebrations or on other occasions during the year.
Invitations are routinely exchanged between both governments
when new leaders are inaugurated. Individual Sister Cities
members have hosted exchange students, delivered medical and
school supplies requested by Guaymas, and supported the
Casa Franciscana Outreach.
Since 1993, there have been efforts on the part of both
communities to include economic development in the relationship.
Mesa's Economic Development has played an active role
in matching groups of Guaymas business representatives with
local business interests in Mesa. With the passage of NAFTA,
there continues to be strong interest in strengthening business
ties between the two communities. The Mesa Convention and
Visitors Bureau has also focused on increasing tourism between
Mesa and Guaymas/San Carlos,as well as encouraging Canadian
winter visitors who are interested in Mexico to consider a San
Carlos visit if they go.
For more information on the activities of the Guaymas Committee,
contact Shaun Bluth at
480-294-8836 or
shaun.bluth@gmail.com
Mesa Sister
Cities
City of Mesa
PO Box 1466
Mesa. AZ 85211
480-644-3002
E-mail