Mexico stretches nearly 2,000 miles from east to west and more than 1,000 miles north to south. It is a destination brimming with natural and cultural diversity. There are trackless deserts in the north, dense jungles in the south, thousands of miles of lush seacoast and beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean. This is a land of first-rate luxury resorts and untouched natural reserves, fascinating ancient sites, colonial architecture, and rich cultural traditions.

Mexico is divided into six tourist regions. They are:

Northern Mexico - This is an area characterized by its deserts, nature reserves, and rugged mountain ranges. Some cities in the region are key industrial and business centers.

Central Mexico - The Mexican heartland. Here you'll find plenty of natural surroundings, picturesque towns full of life and color, and beautiful colonial cities.

Southern Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico - Lined with the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, this region offers an abundance of marshes, mangrove swamps and forests, all of which are ideal for ecotourism outings and exciting outdoor adventures.

The Yucatan Peninsula - The gateway to the Mayan world. It's where white-sand beach resorts and the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea beckon, where you can scuba dive along the world's second largest coral reef and swim in fresh water pools in submerged caverns, known as cenotes.

The Pacific Coast - In this region, you'll find cities and towns with rich cultural and culinary traditions, as well as some of the best beaches for water sports like surfing and fishing.

The Baja California Peninsula - Play golf on world-class courses, discover the underwater treasures of the Sea of Cortez, and witness the amazing migration of the Gray Whale.

From the Olmecs to the Aztecs, Mexico's ancient cultures have left an enduring legacy in the many archaeological sites throughout the country. Mexico is ranked first in the Americas and eighth worldwide by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its World Heritage sites.

In fact, Mexico has the greatest number of World Heritage sites - recognized for their "outstanding value to humanity" - in the Western hemisphere. There are 26 Mexican World Heritage sites in total with the newest being the Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila in Jalisco. UNESCO's World Heritage sites, totaling 830 sites found in more than 130 countries, are cultural, natural, or mixed landmarks representing the rich culture of a country and deserving international recognition. Go to www.friendsofworldheritage.org for more information.

Mexico: Just the Facts
56 destinations for meetings
3,100 hotels
245,000 guest rooms
57 international airports
28 domestic airports
6 million square feet of meeting space
38 convention centers
16 destinations for incentive travel

Andrea Doyle is Convene's senior writer.

Meetings Made Easy in Mexico is sponsored by Mexico
Tourism. Visit its Web site at www.visitmexico.com, where
you may now also complete your RFP, by clicking on the Meet-
ing and Incentive Planners section.