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
Have your say Cancel reply
Subscribe/Login to Travel Mole Newsletter
Travel Mole Newsletter is a subscriber only travel trade news publication. If you are receiving this message, simply enter your email address to sign in or register if you are not. In order to display the B2B travel content that meets your business needs, we need to know who are and what are your business needs. ITR is free to our subscribers.

































Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025