Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism Unveils New Domestic Tourist Program

Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism Unveils New Domestic Tourist Program

At the 36th Annual Tianguis Turístico, that took place at the Acapulco Convention Center, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo announced a new program to encourage Mexicans to travel more within their country. The program, “I Am a Tourist,” was implemented with the assistance of the state’s tourism offices and is expected to launch on April 15, in time for Holy Week.

With 70 percent of Mexico’s total visitor numbers comprised of domestic travelers, this accounted for 160 million trips in 2010 or an average of 1.6 trips per year, per Mexican, up from 148 million trips in 2009. The program will offer travelers discounts on lodging as well as kids free and two-for-one promotions by various businesses throughout the country.

Participating businesses are expected to feature a decal in their storefront while visitors can obtain a discount card valid in all destinations, except the area where they live, by enrolling at www.yosoyturista.com.

Once enrolled, visitors can print out their discount card, which will feature an individual ID number. In the first phase of the program, more than 5,000 businesses around Mexico are expected to participate. Visitors will be asked to present identification along with their discount card in order to verify that they do not live in the destination where the discount is available.