MEXICO CITY, Feb. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- President Enrique Pena Nieto yesterday unveiled Mexico's National Tourism Policy in the Riviera Nayarit. The administration's tourism policy is designed to strengthen the sector and turn Mexico into a world class destination through four guiding principles, namely, legislative and sectorial transformation; innovation and competitiveness; development and promotion; and sustainability and social wellbeing.

President Pena Nieto said, "We will open Mexico to the world, and the world will visit Mexico. Tourism is a fundamental component of our economy and a key driver of national development."

Tourism is responsible for close to nine percent of Mexico's gross domestic product. 

President Pena Nieto announced the formation of a select committee headed by the Federal Executive which will coordinate a multi-sector effort to grow the tourism industry in Mexico.

Competitiveness and the diversification of products and segments such as culture, health, meetings and conventions and eco-tourism will be achieved through innovation and competition.

The President said that through a policy of development and promotion, Mexico will boost confidence in current and potential investors in the country.

"Growth of the tourism sector is important for tourists and Mexicans alike.  The opportunity to explore Mexico should be attainable by all Mexicans."

Claudia Ruiz Massieu, Mexico's Secretary of Tourism, said tourism is a priority as a driver of growth and employment. She also highlighted that Mexico sets the standard of the global tourism industry.

"I have no doubt that tourism is the future of Mexico. Under the President's leadership, tourism will be used as an engine to drive development for all Mexicans," she said. "Through intra-governmental collaboration and true partnership with the private sector, the tourism industry in Mexico will thrive."

The governors of the states of Jalisco, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, San Luis Potosi, Tlaxcala, Yucatan and the governor elect of Jalisco attended the presentation along with local ministers of tourism, representatives from the legislative and judiciary powers of the state, diplomats, businessmen and other special invitees.

For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Risi
Ogilvy Public Relations
Jennifer.Risi@ogilvy.com or +1-646-240-6297

SOURCE Mexico Tourism Board