Mexico, despite security concerns and unrelenting travel caution, still bagged the eighth spot in being the most visited destination in the world, beating Turkey with 6.7 million more visitors traveling in the country. The report was released by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The steady rise of Mexico's travel industry is welcomed greatly by the country's department of tourism, and tourism officials are hopeful it may soon take the place among the top five in UNWWTO rankings because according to their statistical data through Fox News, Mexico welcomed more than 50 percent of increase in the number of visitors since 2012.
Right now, Mexico's Tourism Secretariat said that the whole country is working together to provide more experiences for its travelers and to keep up with the usual travel demand. Improving infrastructure, security, and opening new attractions also top the nation's priorities to entice travelers to stay longer in their country, according to Travel and Tour World.
Last year, Mexico only placed ninth in the rankings but bumped up to Turkey's spot this year. The sought-after destination saw a 9 percent increase in foreign travelers last year, with its tourism revenue rounded up to $19.6 billion. Turkey, on the other hand, only welcomed 28.3 million visitors last year, and the sudden drop in numbers can be attributed to the country's political unrest.
Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya, and Cancún are among the most visited destinations in Mexico. Its pristine beaches, friendly locals, and amazing food are also some of the reasons why visitors keep coming back. Several travel agents also attributed Mexico's tourism rise in the lessened fears of contracting Zika Virus, and even though unruly groups and hate crime still dominate some parts of the country, it didn't faze the tourists in making Mexico a top travel destination.
Tourism officials are hopeful about Mexico's travel industry. And with the steady rise of tourism revenue, they are also confident that it may overtake the remittances overseas Mexican workers make in three years' time.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
