ACAPULCO, Mexico -- Despite the continued challenges of the war in
Iraq and the slumping U.S. economy, Mexico tourism has held steady,
according to Leticia Navarro Ochoa, the country's director of
tourism.
Speaking here at Tianguis Turistico, the annual tourism
convention, Navarro said that in January, Mexico received 1.6
million foreign visitors, a 1.9% decrease compared with the
previous year.
But travel to Mexico's interior increased 11.4% during the same
period, and visitors this year spent 9% more than the year
before.
"We don't perceive any big impact from the [war in Iraq],"
Navarro said. "However, we are monitoring the principal indicators
in order to be prepared to act as necessary; obviously we expect
there to be some effect."
She also noted that despite nearly 10,000 new hotel rooms being
added to the country's inventory, the most recent statistics --
from mid-March- indicated a 62% occupancy rate, "a similar level to
the year before."
As the peak winter season ends this month, Navarro said new
promotional efforts will be executed, building on the Mexico's
existing "Closer Than Ever" campaign, which she said subtly
addresses travelers' safety concerns by emphasizing the country's
proximity and security.
"Our country has always been very safe," Navarro said. "Security
is an issue that has become increasingly important, but you may not
notice it because our plan and strategy are very discreet."
Tianguis, the largest travel trade event in Mexico, attracted 6%
more buyers this year than in 2002, for a total of 1,253 buyers
from 21 countries, including tour operators, wholesalers and travel
agencies.