“Don’t take tourism for granted” says Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo in recent published remarks as the nation looks at preserving its’ past, present and future while generating jobs, wealth and well being for its’ citizens.
Last year was a milestone year for travel and tourism in Mexico as the country’s industry contributed 100 million jobs and over $2 trillion in GDP.
The people of Mexico realize that travel and tourism are powerful engines for driving positive socio-economic change and as such, tourism is a national priority.
In 2011 there were a record-setting 22.67 million international visitors who came to Mexico, the most since records started being kept in 1980 by the Bank of Mexico.
The goal is to take Mexico from the 10th tourism destination to the Top 5 by 2018.
Mexico is promoting sustainability and is a global leader in the fight against climate change – promoting “green growth” development and attractions.
Throughout the country there is an effort to organize attractions and to effectively target market them to the world.
Diversification of these markets, products and destinations has helped Mexico over the years to be a more popular destination with the majority of its tourism coming from America.
Tourism is now Mexico’s third largest industry and it set to grow steadily over the coming years.
A key attraction is a lasting legacy for travelers – those who come to Mexico can see, touch and be moved by centuries of history, from 500-700 A.D., to the present. This rich history is very unique as it reaches back to before the Spanish arrival in 1519 when Indians roamed the land.
Early cultures included the Maya, Totonac, Huastec, Otomi, Mixtecs, Zapotecs, Tlaxcalans, Tarascans and Aztecs. And all these cultures created a vast number of historical wonders which visitors can tour first hand.
The lasting influence of the Spanish arrival in 1519 left a lasting influence through the entire fabric of the country. Now tourists from over 140 countries enjoy that legacy for the New World conquerors. Mexico displays her Colonial legacy in most all of her states and particularly in the capital.
Sites listed by a recent tourism promotion note that in Central Mexico “it is possible to enjoy the Churches of Guadalupe, San Marcos, San Diego and The Government Palace in Aguascalientes. In Cuernavaca, cradle of the Revolutionary War led gy Emiliano Zapata, stand the Cathedral (XVI century) and the Palacio de Cortes (constructed in 1538).
Visitors to Guanajuato will find a great examples of Colonial heritage and in the city of Puebla are the many churches.