Gay Nagle Myers
Mexico plans to launch a number of initiatives in the coming months, building on its targeted plan to attract 4 million more tourists than visited in 2010, when international arrivals topped 22.4 million.
"We are celebrating our gastronomy and cuisine and will tie a number of special events in the U.S. and Mexico to that focus," said Rodolfo Lopez Negrete, COO of the Mexico Tourism Board.
Also on tap are celebrations focused on Mexico's World Heritage sites, programs aimed at the romance and honeymoon markets and a new 18-month initiative launching June 22 that highlights Mexico's Mundo Maya region, which comprises the Mexican states of Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Campeche, Chiapas and Tabasco. (The larger region also includes the nations of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.)
Separate campaigns are planned for Mazatlan and Acapulco, as well, according to Negrete.
He also said that between "15 and 17 destinations have expressed serious interest in hosting Tianguis [Mexico's annual travel industry conference and trade show] in 2012. Proposals have been received, which are currently under review."
A decision could come as early as this month, according to Negrete.
The show has been held in Acapulco for more than three decades, but officials decided to open it up for bid in 2012.