Recently named “the best international destination for family travel,” Mexico continues to lure tourists from far and wide, thanks to its fascinating culture, stunning beaches and great value for money. There’s good reason to have an upbeat outlook on Mexico tourism: recent figures from the Mexican Tourism Board show that a record-setting 35 million international tourists visited the country in 2016, marking a 9 percent jump over the previous year. To put these numbers into perspective, the average tourism growth rate is just 3.9 percent, according to World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Mexico Tourism Up: 35 million visitors in 2016
“Mexico’s sustained, fast growth is a testament to the incredible quality and diversity in our tourism offering and the hard work for the entire industry, both internationally and domestically,” Tourism Board CEO Lourdes Berho, offered in a recent press release. To maintain this momentum and build upon these impressive numbers, Beho says that plans are underway to assure that tourists have ample reason to re-visit Mexico, whether on a family holiday, a honeymoon or a vacation with friends.
Traveler feedback gathered by the Mexico Tourism Board indicates a bright future for this diverse nation renowned for its Mayan ruins, friendly locals and amazing cuisine. A whopping 86 percent of polled visitors told tourism officials they would like to visit Mexico again within the next 6 months, and 94 percent said their trip “exceeded their expectations.”
The data reflects not only a surge in international visitors, but an uptick in overall traveler spending. The tourism board reports visitor spending spiked 10.4 percent over 2015, which is another boon to the local economy (more than 9 million Mexicans work in the tourism sector). These increased revenues may be due in part to longer visitor stays, with most tourists booking vacations for at least 7-10 days.
Mexico garners accolades as family-friendly destination
Much more than a Spring Break party destination, Mexico offers something for travelers of all ages and interests. From the sun-drenched beaches of Playa del Carmen to the Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza, there are so many options to find your ideal “escape.”
Given its wealth of eco-attractions and breathtaking natural wonders, it’s no surprise that Mexico garnered accolades at the 2017 Travvy Awards. Mexico was bestowed the Gold Medal for family travel, and the Silver for Best Travel Destination.
By 2021, the Mexico Tourism Board is hoping to attract some 50 million international visitors, and at this rate it’s entirely possible!
More on Mexico tourism stats:
- Fox News Travel, Mexico welcomed record 35 million international tourists in 2016 http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2017/03/01/mexico-welcomed-record-35-million-international-tourists-in-2016.html
- TravelPulse, 2017 Travvy Awards: Full List of Winners From the Academy Awards of Travel http://www.travelpulse.com/news/features/2017-travvy-awards-full-list-of-winners-from-the-academy-awards-of-travel.html
