The MEXICO Report
MEXICO CITY – President Felipe Calderon declared 2011 to be the “Year of Tourism in Mexico” and confirmed that he has the commitment of the private sector to push development in the industry which generates some 6 million Mexican jobs.
During the inauguration of the National Tourism Convention, the president emphasized that in 2010 the tourism sector had grown at a rate of 10 percent, while on the world level the increase was 6 percent.
“This is the Year of Tourism, let us make it a reality. Let us propose to increase the number of people who relax in Mexico, who visit Mexico,” said Calderon.
The Mexican leader discussed assorted actions to strengthen advertising, among which he cited the World Adventure Tourism Summit in the southern state of Chiapas and the 2nd Cultural Tourism Fair in the western city of Morelia.
In addition, he said that this year investment in tourism will exceed 20 percent at nearly 5 billion pesos (about $413 million).
Calderon recalled that over the past four years some 6 billion pesos ($495 million) had been invested in infrastructure linked to the sector.
He said that there are important projects on the agenda and emphasized the significance of promoting Mexico’s attractions, especially its natural circumstances, including the yearly arrival of whales along its coasts and the arrival of the Monarch butterflies on their annual migration from the north.
Calderon placed particular emphasis on the work carried out to guarantee the safety of foreign tourists “independent of the criminal phenomenon,” alluding to the drug-related violence that has claimed more than 34,000 lives in Mexico since Calderon took office in December 2006.
He also said that the fact that international visitors stay in Mexico is “pleasant” because last year the country welcomed 10 million foreign tourists and the overwhelming majority had a very enjoyable experience.