Perception versus Reality....... As headlines tarnish Mexico's reputation with drug-related violence, us as travel consultants feel a struggle to promote a country that has fallen victim to sensationalized news. The newly created perception of
Mexico continues to battle the reality of its current state, while officials increase security to ensure travelers' safety and continue to promote this destination by presenting FACTS!!!
So here is a list of great facts for all those travelers who have acquired a skewed since of safety fro travel to
Mexico.
Fact - With more than 21.5 million international tourists visiting
Mexico in 2009, the country expects to receive 22.6 million visitors this year, already receiving a total of 15.2 million tourists from abroad from January to August this year. This represents a growth of 6.8 percent
Fact - While this turmoil would lead you to believe otherwise,
Mexico actually continues to reign as the TOP destination for international travelers, as well as the most visited international tourism destination by North Americans.
Fact - Three out of Ten travelers mention
Mexico as their 1st top choice destination. Plus these travelers don't see
Mexico as a one-time visit. Instead, they're continually coming back for more with 3 out of 10 Americans report returning within 12 months from their last trip.
Fact - A common misconception about
Mexico is that because violence is happening in one location than it's happening across the country. With a country three times the size of
Texas, this is clearly false. Most people with this misconception do not realize the size of
Mexico and the sheer distance between its tourist’s destinations and other cities.
Fact -
Mexico's unique and varied destinations and attractions are really what makes this country stand apart from other well traveled areas. With more spas than any other country in the world, after the
US, with over 144 golf courses, and with 30,000 UNESCO World Heritage Sites,
Mexico has something to offer any and all types of travelers.
Fact - Proof of
Mexico's safety also lies with the most trusted hotel chains and airlines which are significantly increasing their presence in
Mexico, approximately 294 flights, 44,100 seats everyday from different airports all over the
U.S. With the bankruptcy of
Mexico largest airline,
U.S. airlines are taking full advantage of the market by increasing and adding routes to
Mexico.
Fact - The diversity of its areas goes without saying and supposed widespread violence is really nothing more than a catch phrase.
Area of incident Ciudad Jarez
Tourist destination Los Cabos
650 miles apart - It's like going to
Miami from
Atlanta
Area of incident
Tijuana
Tourist destination
Puerto Vallarta
1000 miles apart - It's like going to
New York from
Orlando
Area of incident
Tijuana
Tourist destination
Cancun
1750 miles apart - It's like going to
Los Angeles from
Chicago.
The US Department of Stat updated the travel warning on September 10, 2010. Millions of US citizens safely visit
Mexico each year. The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect
U.S. Citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations. Resort areas and tourist destinations in
Mexico do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major drug trafficking routes.
Don't let the misconception absorb you!!!! Enjoy
Mexico and be one of the 22.6 million visitors this year!
Happy Travels!!!
