Staff Report—First Impressions—
What Executives See When Landing in the Nearshore
First impressions can be definitive for decision makers in business. Consequently, they can also determine the economic fortunes of whole cities, countries or even regions.
We reached out to a group of global investors, BPO operators, tech entrepreneurs, site selection professionals, business consultants and market analysts and asked them for their first impressions on nearshore locations that they have come to know quite well.
Their comments –found below– provide newcomers to the region with first-hand accounts of what they’ll find when landing in each site mentioned.
Zia Paton, Partner, Digital Services Leader (Caribbean), PwC on Roseau, Dominica
I was awestruck from the moment the plane descended into Dominica, unveiling a breathtaking panorama of mist-draped mountains, dense emerald forests and sparkling rivers. After a long and winding drive, I reached the quiet bustle of Roseau, where cozy spots offered fresh fish and local produce, with more stunning views of the ocean and mountains.
The quiet strength of the Dominican people was evident, exuding resilience, moving with a sense of purpose and grounded grace that mirrored the island’s majestic beauty.
Felix Jorge, Field CTO, Hitachi Vantara on Medellin, Colombia
Stepping into Medellin felt like entering a vibrant, modern oasis nestled in the Andes. The lush greenery of the mountains surrounding the city and the perfect spring-like weather made me feel like I’d stumbled into a hidden gem.
The seamless blend of urban innovation and natural beauty was unlike anything I’d experienced before.
Lee Coulter, Global Head of Transformation, Chazey Partners on Bogotá, Colombia
First thing I noticed after landing in Bogota was that there wasn’t any pressure equalization when they opened the plane’s door. As I walked out of the airport, I realized I was way up in the mountains, at 9000 feet!
I was reminded of that fact walking the city’s endless hills and stairways, breathing the clean, cool mountain air. Most buildings I saw had no HVAC.
Scott Newman, CEO, Transparent BPO on Belize City, Belize
I remember touching down in Belize City and driving down unpaved dirt roads into the city, seeing the beautiful sea; not a single US brand in sight. After interacting with the Belizean people, I immediately loved their kind, considerate and welcoming attitude.
Their English was amazing. I thought to myself: “Why are there no contact centers here? This place is a hidden gem.”
Andrey Kudievskiy, CEO & Founder, Distillery Andrey Kudievskiy on Córdoba, Argentina
My first thought after landing in Cordoba, not long after the pandemic, was: “Why are SO many young people walking in the city center? Am I in the middle of some college campus?”
I was almost right. I later learned that Cordoba is a “student city”, home to arguably the best technology university in the country.
Nathaniel Parish Flannery, Researcher and Analyst, Latin American Lens LLC on Culiacan, Mexico
I was blown away by the level of real estate and infrastructure development in Culiacan. With the recent high levels of investment and construction, Culiacan looks more like Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, than a typical second-tier Mexican city.
The local cuisine, a mix of steak and seafood options, is excellent, and the locals were incredibly friendly.
Tonya Coker, COO, OutPLEX on Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
On arrival, I was immediately struck by the magnetic energy of the people around me. It was election season, and the passion for the future of the country was palpable.
The culture of prioritizing family and savoring life’s moments captivated me so that I knew I never wanted to leave!
Jeff Pappas, Senior Managing Director, Newmark on La Ceiba, Honduras
I was actually looking for a third BPO market in Honduras, but I found a place that simply was “bananas”. La Ceiba is truly home to an ethnic mix of people, and really comes into its own at night.
I would also say it’s the “Gateway to Roatan”. It may not be the most beautiful place, but its initial step to one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
Peter Ryan, President & Principal Analyst, Ryan Strategic Advisory on Guadalajara, Mexico
Guadalajara vastly exceeded my expectations. I encountered a modern, dynamic urban environment; perhaps the most that I ever saw anywhere across Latin America. The melding of a 21st century landscape against the contrast of Mexico’s incredible architecture and monuments is something to see.
It is no wonder why Guadalajara remains a favorite destination for BPO and IT services for buyers and outsourcers from across the world.
Julie Casteel, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Ibex Global on Managua, Nicaragua
Managua’s history and architecture took me back in time. During my first visit, I experienced the hip and modern vibe of the downtown area, with trendy restaurants (and iconic national dishes like Gallo Pinto and Nacatamales), modern hotels, thriving nightlife, and the local coffee culture.
There’s always something interesting to do, including a visit to the local markets, Lake Managua or the active Masaya Volcano.
Bryan Campbell, Energy Markets Reporter, ICIS on Mexico City, Mexico
I was surprised by the sophistication of Mexico City’s business districts; modern skyscrapers stand tall alongside historic landmarks, creating a unique blend of the past and future. The city has a palpable sense of ambition and innovation.
What struck me most was the seamless mix of world-class infrastructure, high-speed connectivity, and a creative, forward-looking mindset. Mexico City is a thriving center for global business.
Sangram Sahoo, Regional VP of Peru, TCS on Lima, Peru
For me, Peru is like India outside of India. From the chaos of traffic to the delicious food and, of course, the friendly people.
It really felt familiar. Like being home.
Jeremy Stryer, Co-Founder & CEO, HolaDev on Queretaro, Mexico
Back in 2005, I ended up in a small city in central Mexico with a weird name: Queretaro. Downtown —“el centro histórico”— was filled with charming plazas lined with outdoor cafés, car-free cobblestone streets and colorful colonial architecture.
The evenings, with warm weather and yellow lighting, were simply beautiful. Nearly 20 years later, it’s still home.
Anand Biradar, Head of Operations, Americas, Sagility on Kingston, Jamaica
Kingston is the city where two seemingly contrasting characteristics blend smoothly: competitiveness and chilled out vibes. Going around the city I could settle into a reggae rhythm, colorful shops and easy ‘Ya mon’ conversations.
The city seemed to be in its journey to blend modernity, tradition, and cultural richness.
Joe Wester, EVP of Sales, KM2 Solutions on Castries, St. Lucia
As I approached St. Lucia’s airport, I spotted the Pitons, with their lush green foliage on the volcanic-formed mountains. The drive to the capital city, Castries, took me through various microclimates which further expressed the island’s beauty.
The islanders were genuinely friendly and welcoming. Life seemed much simpler on the island, and I found the happiness of the locals to be contagious!
Michelle Castillo, EVP of Operations, RedialBPO on Mexicali, Mexico
Coming from San Diego, the contrast in weather and scenery was spectacular. Mexicali stood out with its unique blend of influences and history. The city’s warmth, the friendliness of its people, and the incredible Chinese food—quite possibly the best I’ve ever had—were all pleasant surprises.
Given its proximity to the US, it’s neat how it has developed its own distinctive culture while also maintaining strong ties with its northern neighbor. The English language and accent neutrality was unprecedented!
Ben Jones, Group Chief Commercial Officer, The Sigma Connected Group on San Pedro Sula, Honduras
San Pedro Sula felt a world away from the southeast coast of the US, in the best way possible. I recall how green everything was, the heat and smells of the jungle, and how charming and capable the thriving economy seemed. People were unbelievably welcoming, supported by first class infrastructure.
It’s easy to see why cruise ships regularly drop anchor off the coast, but also why Honduras is growing as a destination for business.
Michele Marius, Director, ICT Pulse Consulting on Paramaribo, Suriname
Although I was on the ground for less than two days, my overwhelming impression was of witnessing a “diamond in the rough”. Considerable potential with lots of different activities, albeit in small pockets.
I was surprised to learn that Qualogy and Teleperformance have a footprint there, but Suriname or its capital, Paramaribo, aren’t mentioned in conversations on outsourcing and global business services in the region.
Kirk Laughlin, Managing Director & Chief Analyst, Nearshore Americas, on San Jose, Costa Rica
The first thing I noticed, departing the airport, was the orderliness of the taxi line. An immediate “Let’s keep things cool” atmosphere. But my awestruck state really took hold when I checked into Marriott Belen, a property that spoke “pura vida” in a perfectly elegant, Tico way. (No, this is not paid-for commercial message).
I discovered an extra level of freshness in that morning sun which injected a special glow on the array of Orchids, Heliconias and Cieba and Guanacaste trees. That encounter, I’m sure, had a lot to do with my decision to move to Escazu, Costa Rica, a few years later with my family.
César Cantú, Chief Editor, Nearshore Americas on Merida, Mexico
Visiting Merida in late 2022 felt like witnessing a transformation happening in real time. The elements that make Merida a tranquil corner for tourists (the sand and the ocean; the hotels and local huts; the colonial charm of downtown streets) now mix with the sights and vibes of global business culture: Towering office buildings, apartment complexes, splendid hotel-mall hybrids; the blacks, blues and grays of business attire.
Things are happening in Mérida, and fast.
