The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has published its UNWTO World Tourism Barometer with the ranking of the most visited countries in the world, including Mexico, which has positioned itself as the eighth most visited country in the world in 2016.
The Latin American country received more than 35 million international visitors last year, achieving a growth rate of 9%, twice the world average of the industry.
Mexico’s position in the list of most visited countries in the world has risen from 15th place in 2013 to the eighth place in 2016, the biggest advance in the ranking among the 25 countries that occupy the top positions.
“For three consecutive years, Mexico has had an impressive rise in the list of most visited countries of the WTO,” said Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Enrique de la Madrid Cordero.
“Today is a day of celebration for the tourism sector, public and private, and for the more than nine million Mexicans who work every day to ensure that visitors have an unforgettable experience,” he concluded.
Mexico Tourism increases 9% in 2016
Since 2013, international tourism to Mexico has grown at an annual average of 9%, twice the industry global average.
Beyond Mexico’s famous sun and beach offer, the growth is due to the great diversity of attractions that the country offers, among them mega biodiversity, nature and adventure tourism, its exceptional gastronomic offer, Luxury, high profile sporting events such as Formula 1, cultural traditions such as the Day of the Dead; As well as its positioning in the sector of weddings and romance and conventions.
The goal of Mexico is to reach 50 million international visitors by 2021. To meet this goal, alliances with industry, including airlines, hotels, tour operators, etc., are fundamental. The results of these partnerships are reflected in the high growth prospects for this year, as the number of seats on direct international flights to Mexico has increased by more than 2 million compared to 2016.
The foundation of the Mexican tourist industry is based on the greatest attractions of Mexico: its people and its millennial spirit of hospitality and friendship. International travelers define Mexico as one of the most friendly and welcoming countries in the world.
In recent months, this has been recognized by the John Mason survey of expatriates in 191 countries, which ranked Mexico as the most welcoming country in the world for the third consecutive year.
In addition, the Global Industry Travvy Awards ranked Mexico as the number one destination for family travel and Puerto Vallarta as the number two destination in the world for LGBTQ travelers.
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