Mexico paying price of tourism success
Mexico is the subject of the latest Travel Foundation initiative, where a programme is being launched to tackle damage sustained by the country’s beaches, reefs and freshwater pools.
The programme being launched by the Travel Foundation will see trade associations, government representatives, NGOs, local tour operators and tourism businesses come together to tackle problems of unsustainable tourism practice in Mexico.
According to the Travel Foundation, the main issues in Mexico are water pollution, waste and litter on beaches, which has potential to harm marine life, and damage to Cenotes, which are freshwater pools in the jungle, popular with tourists for diving and snorkelling.
Figures released by a TravelMole US report show that Mexico enjoyed record visitor numbers in 2004, with a historic high of 20.5 million international visitors, up from 18.6 million in 2003. The number was around 500,000 more than the government had set as its target for 2004. This year visitor numbers are expected to increase further to around 21.5 million.
The committee formed by the Travel Foundation will seek to tackle the environmental problems outlines above and in addition produce booklets for holidaymakers about how to holiday responsibly and also information such as where to buy locally-produced handicrafts.
In order to fund the scheme, Travel Foundation director Sue Hurdle is seeking the support of operators to set up customer donation schemes and appealing to holidaymakers to donate money through the organisation’s existing partners, which include First Choice, Thomas Cook, TUI UK, Virgin Holidays, Sunvil Holidays, and The Adventure Company.
Ginny McGrath
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