Luis Humberto Araiza López, Secretary of Tourism, Economy and Sustainability (SETUES) as president of the Union of Secretaries of Tourism of Mexico (ASETUR), participated together with leaders of the tourism industry at the national level, in a virtual dialogue with the ambassador of Mexico in the United States, Martha Bárcena Coqui, with the purpose of addressing the perspectives on this sector in the country.

During his speech, the Southern California official made four fundamental points: The decline in the North American market that visits Mexico, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the tourism sector, the actions taken during the crisis and some collaborations that may be generated.

Luis H. Araiza mentioned that the United States continues to be one of the main issuing countries of travelers to the Republic, since more than 58% of all travelers who arrive in the country by air are Americans. He also added that several million more, enter by land, generating an important economic spill for all of Mexico, hence the importance of recovering and strengthening alliances with this nation.

The secretary proposed to establish a joint strategy in coordination with the Government of the Republic, in this case through the Foreign Ministry and in particular with the Embassy of Mexico in the United States, together with the consulates, to work on the application of mechanisms aimed at to position the Mexico brand in the neighboring country; and mainly to reactivate and reestablish the dynamism that this industry maintained before the health crisis.

Therefore, he said, it is necessary to determine links between the institutions to develop a common agenda and logistics of continuous and efficient communication. Also, he pointed out that efforts should be added to identify areas of opportunity and enrich promotion strategies; as well as for the organization of work tours of Governors, Secretaries of Tourism, in alliance with the business sector, in addition to arranging meetings with the main tour operators, airlines and hotel chains, among other actors.

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, we have had a fluid conversation with the Ambassador and her work team about the effects on the travel and tourism industry in Mexico. We have addressed concerns about travel restrictions imposed by the United States Government through the Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), issues on which we will continue to work hand in hand, to face and overcome the challenges they present ”, concluded Luis Humberto Araiza López.