As Mexico’s most important single sales force, your ability to discuss current issues, dispel incorrect interpretations of events, and confidently portray in-country realities is critical to our mutual success.
With that in mind we are sharing information with you with the goal of helping you help your clients who have questions about Mexico’s safety and security.
Mexico is a World Class Destination
Mexico is one of the top 10 most important travel destinations in the world and the most visited international tourism destination by North Americans.
Mexico’s Tourism is Growing
A recent article in the Financial Times highlighted Mexico’s record-breaking number of international tourists in December 2011, and confidently stated that Mexico’s tourism sector “has never been stronger.” According to figures published by the tourism ministry, 1,072,180 foreign tourists visited Mexico in December 2011, 13 percent more than during December 2010. These 1 million visitors marked the highest figure ever recorded for the month of December, and represented the fifth consecutive month of an increase in tourism over the same month in 2010.
More than half the December number was made up of visitors from the US which represents an increase of about 11 percent over 2010, and 9 percent over 2008.
The government stated about a year ago, that its aim was to place Mexico in the top five tourist destinations by 2018 from 10th at present. At the rate the tourist destination numbers are producing, it might meet its goal.
In response to this many tour operators and air carriers are increasing their capacity to Mexico for the 2012 winter high season. Look for added flights by Virgin America and Trans Air (Southwest Airlines).
Dealing with the Headlines
Despite all our hard work and best intentions, headlines of late have some travelers questioning the timing of a Mexico vacation. If you’ve had to deal with these questions, we are adding tools and resources to help you address these concerns.
Safety–General
At this Magic of Mexico website’s Updates page you will find information about Mexico’s enhanced security and what the country is doing to insure your client’s safety. Ensuring that Mexico’s visitors have a safe and enjoyable stay has never had a higher priority. It’s important you don’t feel ‘powerless’ in responding to customer concerns. Keep these points in mind:
- Don’t introduce doubt where there isn’t any: don’t assume customer have security concerns.
- Be Prepared and know your geography: arm yourself with resources (like our Mexico Security Map).
- Over a million Americans and Canadians can’t be wrong: would over 1,000,000 expats be making Mexico their home it they didn’t consider it safe?
- Tell YOUR story or provide client ‘testimonials’: nothing works better than a personal endorsement, so don’t hesitate to share positive feedback with other customers.
Crime Concerns
No country, large or small, is immune to crime. Keep in mind that of Mexico’s over 2,500 municipalities, security problems have been concentrated in just 18 of these cities. Mexico, one of the world’s largest countries, is no exception. Federal, state and local governments are working closely together to improve safety and our main tourism destinations enjoy some of the best safety records of any destination in the world. Take a look at what www.nationmaster.com has to say about country-by-country crime comparisons.
Magic of Mexico Resources
In addition to online product training, www.magicofmexico.com is a tool you may use to keep informed of current facts and information regarding travel to Mexico. Please return to this website for updated information.
Other Resources to Share
- WE HAVE ADDED an online learning lesson to give you “role play” practice in addressing your clients’ concerns. Click here to view this new course.
- We have added familiarization trip opportunities with airfare subsidies because we are confident that there is no better opportunity than to experience Mexico for yourself. Click here to see our 2012 FAM calendars.
- We are launching both advertising and public relations campaigns to address these concerns and to increase interest in Mexico and clients to your agencies. Click here to see samples of these ads.
Despite these challenges, Mexico today offers diversity, value, and a rich cultural experience. We value your opinion and intend to keep the dialog open so we can give you the tools you need to confidently sell Mexico vacations.
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