Pristine beaches, a tropical climate, spectacular landscapes, wildlife, history, a rich culture and truly hospitable people, Mexico has endless attractions and the potential to become a global tourism powerhouse.
More and more international tourists are flocking here to discover its charms. According to the Bank of Mexico, in the first five months of 2014 11.7 million foreign tourists visited the country, a 19.2 percent increase on the same period last year. Tourism revenue is also on the rise, increasing 16.7 percent from January to May.
Closer to home, more than five million people visited the Mexican Caribbean in the first six months of 2014, and 2,223,443 of them stayed in Cancun. Mexico’s first master-planned resort and the Riviera Maya continue to lead the country in terms of popularity, and this summer Cancun was one of the top five destinations on Expedia.
Tourism in Mexico already accounts for 8.4 percent of GDP (2012 figures, INEGI) and generates more than two million direct jobs and millions more indirectly. It is the sector of the Mexican economy that employs the largest number of young people aged between 16 and 24 years old (21.1 percent) and is the second most important sector for women (58.4 percent).
Always incredible, Mexico offers something for everyone, from world-famous Caribbean and Pacific beaches, Mayan pyramids, colonial cities and traditional villages to coral reefs, nature reserves teeming with life, extreme sports, sailing and fishing, among others. In recent years, marketing initiatives have shown the world that Mexico is much more than beautiful beaches and that a wealth of amazing experiences awaits visitors.
The Mexican government has made the sector a national priority. In May, President Peña Nieto announced investments to the tune of $180 trillion pesos in tourism infrastructure as part of the National Development Plan (2014-2018).
The Mexico Tourism Board has six priority segments: sun and beaches, cultural tourism, ecotourism and adventure, health tourism, sports and luxury tourism.
Travel routes such as the Maya World, the Independence Route through the Bajio in Central Mexico and the Wine Route in Baja California are also being promoted. Another program promotes the Pueblos Magicos, a collection of 100 communities throughout the country that are blessed with a rich heritage or natural beauty. Valladolid, Izamal and Bacalar are all Pueblos Magicos.
Ecotourism, community and rural tourism projects are seen as a way to bring sustainable development to remote communities such as those in the Zona Maya in central Quintana Roo, which are now part of Maya Ka’an, the state’s new travel destination.
Tourism and Community Development is the theme of World Tourism Day in 2014 and Mexico is hosting the official celebrations in the city of Guadalajara Seminars and high-level meetings will focus on the potential of tourism to empower local communities and bring opportunities for a better future.
