Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Behensen acting head of Tourism Board


Carlos Behnsen is acting director of the National Tourism Promotion Council (known abroad as the Mexican Tourism Board). This was announced by Tourism Minister Rodolfo Elizondo, who confirmed that Oscar Fitch, former boss at the board, had resigned. Although Elizondo also has been expected to step down, he reaffirmed that he will remain at the helm of the ministry for as long as President Felipe Calderon wishes.

Last year, Calderon proposed abolishing the Tourism Ministry as a cost-reducing measure needed during the current recession. Congress refused to approve this. Last year was the worst in history for the Mexican tourism industry, hurt by the worldwide recession, the flu scare last spring and highly publicized incidents of violence resulting from efforts to quash organized crime. Early figures from January indicate tourism continues to decline.


--
Jimm Budd
Reporting from Mexico City
Member of the Society of American Travel Writers

No comments: