Mexico’s International Tourism Revenues Surge 18 Percent

Mexico’s revenues from international tourism totaled $11.13 billion in the January-August period, up 18.1 percent from the same period in 2013, the Tourism Secretariat said.

Foreign tourists generated revenues of $9.42 billion during the first eight months of last year, the secretariat said.

International tourist arrivals totaled 19.3 million in the January-August 2014 period, up 19 percent.

Air arrivals rose 10.3 percent to 9.3 million during the first eight months of this year, the secretariat said, citing Bank of Mexico figures.

Tourism’s importance to the Mexican economy is unquestionable. Its benefits are reflected not only as an industry that generates employment and spurs regional development, but also because of its role in spreading information about the country’s cultural and natural attractions.

Mexico offers a broad range of tourist attractions. These include the heritage of pre-Columbian civilizations and development of archaeological sites as symbols of national identity, the incomparable beauty of its beaches, the combination of vestiges of millenary cultures with major cities, extensive areas of natural beauty with historical elements that make them unique, and world-class tourism infrastructure.

Tourism accounts for more than 8 percent of Mexico’s Gross Domestic Product and more than 9 percent of direct and indirect employment.

Mexico ranks as number 10 in the world for visits by foreign tourists and number 17 in terms of earnings from tourism.

Promotion of tourism plays an important role in maintaining and consolidating Mexico as a world power by generating ever-increasing demand for the country’s destinations and attractions.