Mexico remains number one cruise destination worldwide

MIAMI, Fla. – Mexico has retained the coveted position as number one recipient of cruise lines, globally. Over 800,000 cruise ships docked at Mexico’s sun drenched shores in 2011, adding over $500 million to Mexico’s economy in both revenue and jobs. Mexico has already noted growth in the sector of 7.1 percent in January 2012, year on year.

In addition to the 22.7 million global travelers that arrived in Mexico by air in 2011, an additional five million visited by way of cruise line.

Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara said, “The main shipping companies in the world believe in Mexico and are willing to invest resources in our country which will multiply the number of arrivals and passengers.”

Officials from the Mexican Ministry of Tourism and the Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) are in Miami this week, hosting the Mexico Pavilion at the Cruise Shipping Miami 2012 trade show and conference, one of the industry’s largest events, which brings together over 90 participants, including state and federal tourism officials, port representatives, and tour operators from across the country.

“We are here to further promote the exceptional growth of the cruise sector in Mexico, which remains the top destination for cruise arrivals globally.

“Every year more than five million visitors dock at Mexico’s luxurious ports of call to experience our rich culture, climate, beaches and UNESCO World Heritage listed gastronomical offering,” Secretary Guevara said.