Calderon Denounces Tourism "Bottlenecks" at Tianguis EFE
go to original March 27, 2012

Mexican President Felipe Calderon issued a call "to break the bottlenecks the country has to free up all its tourist potential" upon inaugurating the Tianguis 2012 tourism fair in Puerto Vallarta. (EFE/Adolfo Jasso/Mexican President's Office)

Mexican President Felipe Calderon issued a call "to break the bottlenecks the country has to free up all its tourist potential" upon inaugurating the Tianguis 2012 tourism fair in this western city.

Before hundreds of people gathered at the International Convention Center in Puerto Vallarta, Calderon said that the Tianguis, which for the first time is being held outside Acapulco, "is growing stronger."

He said that the event, now in its 37th year, will now move from city to city in response to businessmen, buyers, officials and academics "who suggested taking advantage of this forum to promote the enormous diversity of Mexican tourist destinations."

The president said that in contrast with the 4,000 attendees in 2011, many of whom had their travel expenses to the event paid for by the government, this year there are 7,000 "who have come on their own."

Calderon said that despite the falloff in U.S. tourism, due in part to "the oftentimes unfair conditions (regarding) the perception of our country," in 2011 more than 23 million international tourists visited Mexico, not counting those who arrived on cruise ships or by land.

"We have to go for more," he said.

Finally, he cited the "historic" investment in infrastructure made by his administration since 2006 which permits tourists to arrive more easily by land to various destinations. He said that 280 billion pesos ($22 billion) had been spent on highways since that time.

The fair will run through Wednesday and is hosting thousands of businessmen, tourism organizers, travel agencies and representatives of the domestic and international tourist industry.