Given the ready supply of cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages to Mexico as well as plentiful discount hotel rooms, it is hardly surprising that Mexico remains a popular tourist destination. Mexico experienced record 2011 arrivals, with almost 22.7 million visitors.
That figure was 2 percent more than 2010 and 0.2 percent more than the previous high tourist count of 22.6 million visitors in 2008.
A drop of 3 percent in U.S. visitors last year was more than offset by significantly more visitors from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Japan and Russia. The Mexico Tourism Board observed These figures clearly demonstrate that the bold diversification strategy we have implemented, promoting a broad tourism offering and targeting an expanded breed of global consumer, is succeeding.
Tourism officials are predicting strong U.S. tourist count in 2012 pointing to the increases experienced in the last quarter of 2011 when the overall U.S. source market share rose from 14 percent to 15 percent.
Mexico ended 2011 as the most popular international destination for American citizens. Winter season American bookings increased from a year prior and were reflected in high occupancies reported by resort properties.
Mexican tourist officials believe that 2012 tourist growth will be impressive in part because of specific promotions targeting the five states that comprise the Mayan World: Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Yucatan. The aim is to promote Mexico as more than just a sun and beach destination.
Foreign tourists spent 7 percent more money in Mexico is 2011, averaging just under $160 per person per day. www.cheapfares.com