Mexico Tourism Jumps 9% In 2016
by Jessica MontevagoMexico’s tourism industry saw a record year in 2016.
The country welcomed a record 35 million international travelers last year, a whopping 9% increase over 2015, the Mexico Tourism Board announced last week.
“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,” said the board’s CEO, Lourdes Berho.
Officials are optimistic those numbers will carry over for 2017. The Tourism Board’s internal consumer tracking studies show more than 94% of visitors reported an experience that “exceeded their expectations,” while 86% said they would “like to come back again” in the next six months– some of the highest scores in the industry.
“Plans are already underway to ensure 2017 builds upon these achievements and that Mexico continues to welcome all visitors and give them reasons to come back again and again,” Berho said.
The Mexico Tourism Board is focusing on areas such as luxury, weddings and romance, diving, biodiversity and nature, culture, gastronomy, high-profile events, sports and adventure, as well as programs for audience segments such as millennials, LGBTQ and retirees. The group aims to reach 50 million international visitors by 2021.
