Tequila Sunrise
Q: What are the challenges affecting tourism in Mexico today?
A: Among Mexico's most important challenges are competition from nearby countries that boast similar weather and infrastructure, and a more sophisticated consumer who is looking beyond the beach into unusual and exciting experiences.
Q: How are you dealing with these issues?
A Our country has a unique culture. . . . Visitors to Mexico should look beyond the initial lure of perfect weather, spectacular beaches, and temperate seas, and delve into the country's richness. They should look beyond the front door. . . . We are developing and promoting different archaeological sites near the major beach resorts . . . . We're lining our gateways to these regions and building new roads so they can taste, touch, and feel the 'real' Mexico. The wider the region explored by tourists, the more dispersed the economic benefit . . . . The Copper Canyon has a master plan to improve the highway between Creel and San Rafael and construct 1800 new hotel rooms. At Isla Natividad, a megaproject is in the works that will include a grand hotel, a golf course, a yacht club, a spa, a mall, apartments, and villas. . . . The international boom of responsible ecotourism and adventure travel offers a great opportunity for Mexico. . . . I personally consider casinos a way to strengthen the appeal of our destinations. (Hernandez 1997, 21-26)
(c) David Kolb, 1 August 2001