TravelPulse.com
March 7, 2011
See the article on Travel Pulse

Mexican President Calderon
Signs National Agenda for Tourism

In an effort to strengthen and promote the tourism industry in Mexico, President Felipe Calderon last week signed a National Agenda for Tourism in Mexico City. The National Agenda for Tourism is the result of a coordinated effort by the federal government, academia, the business community, legislators, trade unions and state government representatives to help grow and promote Mexico as one of the worlds top tourist destinations.

The National Agenda for Tourism is an unprecedented effort to fully develop the full potential of the tourist industry in Mexico. The goal of the National Agenda is to grow Mexico into one of the worlds five leading tourist destinations. In addition to the National Agenda for Tourism, Calderon received an open letter from Taleb Rifai, secretary general of the World Tourism Organization, and David Scowsill, president and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council. The letter explained how tourism is one of the major global generators of sustainable businesses and employment, a powerful motor for socioeconomic growth and development and a key component in creating a greener economy.

Calderon spoke of the honor of being the first head of state to formally support the campaign and to be included on the first page of the Golden Book of tourism, adding that Mexico would know how to respond to this honor, becoming a premier destination in the world for international tourism. The World Tourism Organization along with the World Travel & Tourism Council are jointly presenting the open letter to all heads of states and governments across the world, asking that they formally recognize the global challenges tourism faces and they prioritize the tourism sector in order to capitalize on its capacity to provide sustainable and balanced national growth.

"President Calderon opens a path for recognizing the important contribution of travel and tourism to spur economic growth, employment and exports," said Scowsill. "His commitment to exploring new and intelligent ways to support tourism sends a clear message to other governments in the world." 2011 has been declared the Year of Tourism in Mexico and Calderon has called for all state departments and ministries to promote the tourism sector. For more information, visit www.visitmexico.com.