Mexico recorded a total income of USD 11,131 million from international tourism between January and August this year, which is 18.1 % more than over the same period last year.
The Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) of Mexico cited the data from the Bank of Mexico stating that during the first eight months of 2013, revenues from international tourists reached USD 9,424 million. The ministry also reported that Mexico welcomed 19.3 million international visitors until August, which is an increase of 19%.
According to the Central Bank data cited by Sectur, the number of tourists arriving by air to Mexico rose from 8.4 to 9.3 million travelers between January and August, representing an increase of 10.3 %.
Moreover, the amount of travelers entering across borders increased from 6.4 to 8.5 million passengers in the period January-August, which is 32.6 % more than last year. According to the Ministry 81% of the 8.5 million international tourists who entered through the borders came by road.
The average spending of tourists in the second quarter of this year was USD 861.4, which is 10.4 % more than last year (USD 780).
Tourism in Mexico is a very important industry and revenue generator for the economy. Mexico is the most visited country in the Americas, after the United States. The most popular attractions are the Meso-American ruins, cultural festivals, colonial cities, nature reserves and the beach resorts.
Most travelers come to Mexico from the United States and Canada. European and Asian visitors also like the country as a holiday destination. A small number of tourists also come from other Latin American countries.