Mexico Sets International Visitor Record in 2011

SECTUR, the Mexican Ministry of Tourism, reported 22.67 million international travelers visited Mexico in 2011, an increase of 2 percent over 2010 totals, and a 5.7 percent increase over 2009 figures. The 2011 numbers also represent a 0.2 percent increase over 2008 totals, making 2011 Mexico's best year for international tourism.

The record tourism numbers were generated primarily by growth in non-North American markets, including Brazil (with visitor arrivals up 66 percent), Russia (up 55 percent), China (up 30 percent), Colombia (up 23.2 percent), Italy (up 13 percent), Australia (up 13 percent), the United Kingdom (up 11.6 percent) and France (up 10 percent).

Mexico also increased its market share in the US from 14.1 to 15 percent, and the country remains the most popular international destination for U.S. tourists, said SECTUR officials.

"We are overjoyed that Mexico has broken our long-standing record with regard to international visitation," said Rodolfo Lopez-Negrete, chief operating officer of the Mexico Tourism Board. “These figures clearly demonstrate that the bold diversification strategy we have implemented, promoting a broad tourism offering and targeting an expanded breed of global consumer, is succeeding."