Mexico-Japan tourism synergy, opportunity for economic growth

In terms of tourism, the existing synergy between Mexico and Japan is strong and is destined to become an important window of opportunities for cooperation and economic growth of both nations, said the Secretary of Tourism of the Government of the Republic, Enrique de la Madrid Cordero, who recalled that both countries share a millennial historical and cultural legacy.
While holding a bilateral meeting in Tokyo with the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and National Territory of the Government of Japan, Keiichi Ishii, the head of the Ministry of Tourism indicated that Japan is the main tourist market in Asia for our country, hence the importance of consolidate the tourist flow between both nations
He specified that in 2017 Mexico received 115.7 thousand visitors from Japan, 18.3% more than in 2016. "For Mexico it means the 15th market in the arrival of international visitors and the most important in Asia. In the period January-July 2018 the arrival increased 4% ".
The head of the Sectur, recalled that the national destinations that receive a greater number of Japanese visitors are Mexico City, Cancun, Leon and Aguascalientes. "These destinations capture 90.4% of the entry of air visitors," said the Mexican official.
It should be mentioned that the average stay of Japanese tourists in their trips to Mexico is 8 nights, with an average cost of 2 thousand 81 dollars, not including transportation. In 2017, Japan received 43,524 Mexican tourists (+ 18.2%). Mexico is the most important market in Latin America, surpassing Brazil.
De la Madrid Cordero, pointed out that in the January-October 2017 period, the volume of Mexican tourists who entered Japan was 53 thousand tourists, an increase of 46.9% compared to the same period of 2016. He indicated that the main destinations that visit Japanese tourists are: Mexico City, Cancun, El Bajío, Guadalajara and Los Cabos.
The Secretary of Tourism said that one of the most favored segments in 2016 and 2017 is business tourism, derived from the increase of Japanese investments in Mexico, particularly in the automotive and auto parts industries located mainly in the Bajío area, and has had an unprecedented impact on the growth of this market segment in our country.
He added that within the cultural segment, Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity designated by UNESCO stands out for this market, where archaeological sites, contemporary architecture and gastronomy (traditional Mexican food), have an important presence as the main incentive for the Japanese who visit Mexico.
He said that the cultural offer complements the sun and beach segment (Cancun-Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula) that for many years has been preferred by Japanese tourists in Mexico.
At the meeting of the Secretary of Tourism with Minister Ishii, which took place in an atmosphere of cordiality, the Japanese official recognized Mexico as a great tourist destination for that Asian nation.
For its part, the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and National Territory of the Government of Japan, Keiichi Ishii, highlighted the growth of Japanese tourists who travel to destinations in Mexico, thanks, among other actions, to direct flights between the two countries. .
The Japanese official recognized Mexico as a great tourist destination and agreed on the importance of increasing air connectivity between the two countries. It is worth mentioning that the bilateral meeting was held in an atmosphere of cordiality and underlining the mutual interest in expanding cooperation between Mexico and Japan.
Previously, and as part of its work agenda, the Secretary of Tourism of Mexico participated in the Ministerial Panel organized by the World Tourism Organization with the topic Managing Sustainable Tourism for Community Development, headed by UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili.
Before Ministers of Tourism of different nations and continents, De la Madrid Cordero noted that tourism is an important generator of employment worldwide that contributes to improving the living conditions of communities.