President Felipe Calderon inaugurates Banyan
Tree Mayakoba Hotel in Cancún
Mexico?s Tourism Minister
Rodolfo Elizondo confirms the comeback of international flights, hotel
occupancies, and cruise line operations.
Rodolfo Elizondo advises the
tourism industry to implement a General Tourism Act along with specific
programs to spur tourism competitiveness.
During the inauguration of the
Banyan Tree Mayakoba Hotel, President Felipe Calderón declared that the
Riviera Maya is in better shape than ever, adding that Quintana Roo State has
recorded hotel occupancy of nearly 60%.
Addressing businessmen from the
OHL chain of hotels, President Calderón highlighted the support that the
Federal Government has given to national tourism, such as the Vive México
movement, designed to reactivate this sector. He also commented on the
support, through credits, which totals $33 billion pesos, in addition to the
Emergency Support Programs for workers in the tourist sector for over $200
million pesos from the National Employment Service.
He announced that the Banyan Tree
Hotel, entailed a $170 million USD investment and the creation of 600 direct
jobs as well as 1,800 indirect jobs for the benefit of Quintana Roo's
families.
"Projects such as this one provide
clear evidence that the tourist industry in Mexico is up and running,"
he said.
On his
side, Mexico?s Tourism
Minister Rodolfo Elizondo Torres confirmed a comeback of international flights,
hotel occupancies, and the cruise line operations in and to Mexico.
??The
perspectives are much more positive than we expected at the beginning. I?m
convinced that we have enough vision and elements working in the right
direction. We have already begun to get back on track. Once on the growth
path, we will again seize opportunities for regional development?? said
Rodolfo Elizondo.
??We?re on the right track and
tourism is triggering a true recovery. We?ve met with all states and have
gotten really good feedback", added Rodolfo Elizondo after emphasizing that
all federal entities will receive extraordinary support to improve
infrastructures, tourist welcoming, and hotel occupancies.
In order to strengthen and develop
Mexico
at economic and social levels, the government will also jumpstart several
projects and programs. For example, President Calderon launched the biggest
tourism project of the past 25 years in Escuinapa, Sinaloa. In 2012, the
project is slated to count 1,643 accommodations and 14,897 employees,
creating major opportunities for the future.
The Mexico Tourism
Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments,
municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico's tourism attractions and
destinations nationally and internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico?s
tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the
private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America,
Europe, Asia and Latin America.
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