Brits flock to unlikely international haven boosting tourism and economic ties
The United Kingdom has emerged as Mexico’s fourth most crucial tourist source market, following only the United States, Canada, and Colombia, according to Miguel Torruco Marqués, the head of the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur).
This revelation comes after the successful conclusion of Mexico’s participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) 2023 in London, where significant agreements were reached to enhance tourist arrivals, air connectivity, and the promotion of Mexico in this key international market.
During the first nine months of this year, British citizens spent a staggering £345million in Mexico.
Torruco Marqués announced that 1,849 flights are scheduled for the year, offering a total of 545,666 seats, a strategic move to boost both tourism and economic revenue in Mexico.
The Secretary of Tourism reiterated the solidarity of international tour operators in supporting the reactivation of Acapulco, particularly after Hurricane Otis.
Notably, he met with the president and CEO of TUI Group, Sebastian Ebel, who accepted the invitation to visit Acapulco and unveil a bust of Alexander von Humboldt, showcasing the commitment to rebuilding and revitalising the destination.
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As part of the WTM activities, Sectur reported meetings with key industry players, such as Helena Suárez, Director of Global Sales of Rosewood Hotel Group. The hotel group revealed plans to strengthen its presence in Mexico by increasing its properties from three to five, demonstrating confidence in the country’s tourism potential.
Furthermore, discussions with Anna Thomson and Ruth Sessions of Sandstone Global aimed at strengthening tourism promotion through collaborations with media outlets like the BBC. This strategic partnership seeks to showcase Mexico’s natural, cultural, and gastronomic wealth to audiences in the UK and Europe, encouraging travel aspirations.
The Secretary highlighted that the UK has solidified its position as the fourth main source market for international tourists, surpassing expectations with a tourist expenditure of £348million from January to September this year. This positive trend aligns with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s vision of leveraging tourism as a tool for social reconciliation.
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The WTM 2023 also provided a platform for discussions on Mexico’s airport infrastructure, including the Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) and the upcoming Tulum International Airport.
These developments sparked great interest among tour operators and airline managers, showcasing a diversified approach to welcoming travellers and passengers to various destinations in Mexico.
Secretary Torruco Marqués conducted interviews with multiple UK media outlets during the WTM, presenting Mexico’s diverse tourist offerings, including its natural beauty, cultural heritage, historical sites, folklore, gastronomy, and the charm of its 177 Magical Towns and now Magical Neighbourhoods.
The Secretary expressed gratitude for the support of the Mexican ambassador to the United Kingdom, Josefa González Blanco, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), contributing to Mexico’s successful presence at WTM 2023.
The Mexican delegation at WTM 2023 included key figures such as Undersecretary of Tourism Humberto Hernández Haddad, Secretary of Tourism of Yucatán Michelle Fridman Hirsch, and other representatives from various sectors of the Mexican tourism industry. The event served as a significant platform to strengthen Mexico’s position as a premier tourist destination and foster international collaborations for future growth.
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