Society

Mexico courts more Chinese tourists

By Song Wei (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-08-17 16:27

Mexico is working hard with China to facilitate travel to increase the flow of Chinese tourists to Mexico.

Alejandro Moreno, Vice Minister of Tourism of Mexico, talks at an exclusive interview with China Daily on August 17, 2010. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Related video: Exclusive interview with Alejandro Moreno

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Vice Minister of Tourism Alejandro Moreno, who is on a two-day visit to Beijing, told China Daily at an exclusive interview Tuesday that they have been in talks with the Chinese side to launch another direct flight from Beijing to Mexico, after launching the Shanghai-Mexico direct flight two years ago.

Moreno said they also came up with 10 new tour routes for Chinese tourists to experience "the other Mexico" – a different Mexico than one already known.

The 10 routes include 32 states of Mexico, and each tour offers a different experience. Tourists can not only experience beaches, but also the Mexican culture, history and traditions.

"Mexico is 3,000 years old...Mexico is a unique country, and there is so much to see and so much to do," Moreno said.

Although Mexico saw a small number of Chinese tourists– with only 17,000 last year, Moreno said he is confident the number would grow through joint efforts and goodwill from both countries.

Moreno assured China that Mexico is a safe tourist destination, despite facing some drug-related violence.

"We have the problem in certain states and regions, but not in the tourist destinations at all...if you look at the numbers, you can't see any tourists getting involved," he said. "You will be safe and you will have a wonderful experience when you come to Mexico."

Moreno added that it is easy for Chinese to get a visa for Mexico – it takes only two days. And those who have a US visa can freely travel to Mexico.