The United World Tourism Organization has, based on statistics from 2016, ranked Mexico as the 8th most popular destination in the world for international visitors. These World Tourism rankings are released three times per year and rate countries based on the revenue that tourism creates for them as well as the number of international visitors per year. This year, Mexico has beaten hot destinations like Turkey, Portugal, Thailand, Greece, and the Dominican Republic for the number 8 spot.
Reasons for Mexico’s Popularity for International Visitors
If you read the Mexican newspaper, El Universal, one of the main reasons for the recent increase in Mexico’s popularity is the favorable exchange rates that Canadian, American, and European visitors enjoy. Of course, exchange rates alone do not explain the estimated 64% rise in tourism over the last five years (this translates to around 9.6 million international visitors coming to Mexico in 2016 alone).
Other than favorable exchange rates Mexico offers much to international (and local) tourists. Fine dining, great bars, historical and cultural attractions, natural wonders, and of course family friendly activities can be found across Mexico. Better still is the fact that there are many cheap and direct flights from Mexican tourist destinations to major American, Canadian, and European cities that international visitors can enjoy.
Safety in Mexico
There are some unfortunate misconceptions about how safe international visitors are within Mexico. Despite these prejudices and the trouble that has faced certain areas of the country, (notably the US-Mexican border), the major tourist cities and hotspots are by and large safer than some of America’s and Europe’s biggest cities! Law abiding tourists, including national and international visitors need not fear whilst they are enjoying their vacations in Mexico; it’s simply a matter of exercising the same judgement and cautions as you would whilst at home.
So, why do you think Mexico has found a place amongst the top 10 destinations for international visitors? Let us know your thoughts on this issue in the comments section below!