President Calderon Highlights Mexico’s Tourism Comeback

During the inauguration of the Banyan Tree Mayakoba Hotel, president Felipe Calderon declared that the Riviera Maya is in better shape than ever, adding that Quintana Roo State has recorded hotel occupancy of nearly 60 per cent.

Addressing businessmen from the OHL chain of hotels, president Calderon highlighted the support that the federal government has given to national tourism, such as the Vive México movement, designed to reactivate this sector.

He also commented on the support, through credits, which totals $33 billion pesos, in addition to the Emergency Support Programs for workers in the tourist sector for over $200 million pesos from the National Employment Service.

He announced that the Banyan Tree Hotel, entailed a $170 million investment and the creation of 600 direct jobs, as well as 1,800 indirect jobs for the benefit of Quintana Roo’s families.

“Projects such as this one provide clear evidence that the tourist industry in Mexico is up and running,” he said.

Mexico’s tourism minister Rodolfo Elizondo Torres confirmed a comeback of international flights, hotel occupancies, and the cruise line operations in and to Mexico.

‘‘The perspectives are much more positive than we expected at the beginning,” said Elizondo. “I’m convinced that we have enough vision and elements working in the right direction. We have already begun to get back on track. Once on the growth path, we will again seize opportunities for regional development.”

‘‘We’re on the right track and tourism is triggering a true recovery. We’ve met with all states and have gotten really good feedback”, he added after emphasizing that all federal entities will receive support to improve infrastructures, tourist welcoming, and hotel occupancies.

In order to strengthen and develop Mexico at economic and social levels, the government has also announced that they will jumpstart several projects and programs.

For example, Calderon launched the biggest tourism project of the past 25 years in Escuinapa, Sinaloa. In 2012, the project is slated to count 1,643 accommodations and 14,897 employees.