Mexico holidays enjoy surge in popularity

There was a record increase in the Mexican tourism sector between 2006 and 2011, official figures have shown.

The number of domestic and foreign tourists increased by 18.2%, from 162 million to 191.5 million, according to the country's Sixth Government Report on Tourism.

Mexico's Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara, said the unprecedented success was down to a variety of factors, not least the creation of visitor attractions such as Mundo Maya ("The Mayan World") and Pueblos Magicos ("Magical Towns").

Other key reasons behind the surge in visitors are said to include Mexico's 18 gastronomic routes and the success of a documentary called Mexico: The Royal Tour.

The report said an increase in private sector investment - up from 12,833,000,000 pesos in 2001 to 20,200,000,000 pesos in 2012 - has also been key to the spectacular growth in Mexico's tourism industry.

Mexico enjoyed its best ever year in 2011 for international tourist arrivals when it welcomed 23.4 million people by air, the report added.

Tourism accounts for more than 9% of Mexico's domestic product and Ms Guevara said the country is on course to emerge as a top five tourist destination by 2018.