Statistics

As a result of a poor economy, Americans are traveling abroad less than during more prosperous times, according to Euromonitor, which keeps an eye on such matters. The decline is expected to affect Mexico, since the United States accounts for more than 80 percent of its international visitors. Nonetheless, according to the Tourism Ministry, foreign tourists left behind $6.4 billion during the first six months of the year. This was an increase of 7.3 percent over 2009 (the worst year on record for tourism in Mexico).
In spite of all this, hotel occupancy is down somewhat compared to last year. The summer vacation season was not as sunny as many hoteliers had hoped for. Ah, but points out the Tourism Ministry, there are nearly 10 percent more hotels operating this year. All that is happening is that the pie is being sliced into smaller pieces.

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