WTM: Mexican government to boost tourism spend

The Mexican government is increasing its worldwide tourism spend by more than 50% to £123 million next year to improve the country’s image as a tourist destination.

Mexican Tourist Board UK director Manual Diaz-Cébrian said much of the money is being spent on improving roads and other facilities for tourists. There are also plans to reintroduce trains on certain iconic journeys.

Diaz-Cébrian said: “We haven’t had any trains since the revolution, but we still have the rails. It would be a fantastic way of travelling – more reliable than the roads.”

He said the London office is waiting to hear how much extra budget it will receive for 2008. There was a 30% increase in funding in 2007. Diaz-Cébrian is hoping for 10% next year.

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