Travel forecast to Mexico over the next four years is sunnier than it has been in a long time. According to a new report from Timetric, Mexico's travel and tourism industry is expected to grow until 2018 due to less stringent travel measures, tourism campaigns, better economic conditions and industrial activity. If all goes according to plan, these initiatives are set to drive Mexico to become one of the world's top five tourist destinations.
According to the report, extensive government plans are in the works for new infrastructure projects to upgrade roads, ports, telecoms and water and energy facilities. The government is expected to invest $315 billion to complete works through 2018.
New Hotels
"By 2016, private equities are to invest $8.6 billion in the industry focusing on the construction of new and existing hotels along with the improvement of public places," the article reports. "In turn, Mexico's Board of Tourism Business expects the new investment scheme to create employment, predicting 28,000 direct and 78,000 indirect jobs."
Starwood Hotels & Resorts is opening a second W location in the Santa Fe neighborhood. W Santa Fe will occupy a portion of a larger development, Liberty Plaza, in the commercial district. The hotel will have 132 guest rooms, with dining options from other locations in the Plaza, and a rooftop pool and bar. Similarly, the existing W Hotel in Mexico City is undergoing renovations.
Also in the Santa Fe district, Hilton has just opened the 260-room Hilton Mexico City Santa Fe. The hotel connects guests with offices, retail centers, dining and entertainment options within the Samara complex. Inside guests will find dining options lake Madera Restaurant. Cocktails can also enjoy light snacks and cocktails at Cielo, the hotel's rooftop bar, and the Lobby Lounge. Other amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center and meeting space.
The JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City has just wrapped a year-long renovation and is showing off new guest rooms, a lobby, Xanat Bistro & Terrace, health club and executive lounge. The guest rooms have marble bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, 37-inch flat screen TVs and more. The newly renovated lobby has private comfort zones, while the new dining addition is serving up authentic Mexican cuisine. The newly renovated health club includes facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, hair and makeup services and a steam room. There is also a new Executive Lounge that offers views over the city.
AMResorts has officially inaugurated Secretos Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort, in presidential style. Mexico's president Enrique Peña Nieto was on hand at the unveiling to lead the ribbon cutting ceremony.
"Mexico's tourism industry generates 8 percent more than the gross national product; and employs the largest number of young men and women in the country," Peña Nieto said at the event.
The new resort shows off AMResorts' Unlimited-Luxury concept, with 500 suites all with ocean, garden or golf course views. Every guest has a private in-suite balcony or terrace, 24-hour room service, daily refreshed mini bar and more. The Unlimited-Luxury ensures all guests are treated to limitless food and too0shelf alcohol at 13 restaurants, bars and lounges. There is also the 12,000 square foot Secrets Spa by Pevonia; a variety of beach, land and water activities including two pools; and three miles of Pacific Coast.
Also in the Caribbean, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, a member of Hard Rock's All-Inclusive Collection, opened in December. The sprawling resort combines two vibes: families and adults-only, each with their own dedicated lobbies. Hacienda is the lobby for families, complete with shopping, restaurants, bars and a central courtyard where DJs spin into the wee hours. Over on the Heaven side, adults will find a more tranquil environment, with dedicated adults-only restaurants and bars. There is a section of the massive pool area that is specifically for adults as well.
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In Riviera Nayarit on Mexico's Pacific Coast, Tau Resorts, a new development group, is planning on opening two resorts in Riviera Nayarit. The first will open this year. Tau Resorts Nahui will have 172 rooms as part of a lifestyle community. Amenities will include a village, Beach Club, golf course, hiking trails and oceanfront water sports center.
The United States accounted for 78.7 percent of total international arrivals to Mexico in 2013. At 6.9 percent, Canada is the second-largest source of international arrivals.
In terms of travel regulations, domestic tourism accounts for the majority of tourism in Mexico and was worth $127.9 billion in 2013, amounting to 89 percent of the country's tourism spending. Inbound tourism increased at 1.6 percent in the number of arrivals to Mexico. To increase this number, Mexican authorities have simplified once-strict visa regulations by launching a new policy with provisions for automatic entry to tourists, business and transit travelers from the US. In addition, a new electronic visa application system was introduced to Russian, Brazilian and Chinese nationals.