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Travel and Tourism ServicesOverviewReturn to top2008 2009 (estimated) 2010 (estimated)Total Arrivals from Mexico 13.7 12.0 12.4Percent Change -4% -12% 3%Total Air Arrivals 1.71 1.50 1.55Percent Change -9% -12% 3%Source: Figures in millions. U.S. Department of Commerce, ITA, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries;Bureau of Economic Analysis.The United States is the top destination for Mexican travelers. In 2008, 13.7 millionMexicans traveled to the United States, representing almost a quarter of the total foreignarrivals to the country. Despite Mexico’s decline in 2008 and anticipated decline in 2009,the country is the second source of international travelers to the United States just afterCanada.In 2008, spending by Mexican travelers totaled $9.7 billion. Approximately 75% of thistotal spending is tied to the 1.7 million Mexicans who traveled to the United States viaair. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Travel and TourismIndustries, in 2009 the Mexican market will post a decline of 12%, and in fact,preliminary figures for 2009 show a 12% decrease in travelers from Mexico to the UnitedStates. This reality makes more compelling the need to actively promote U.S.destinations.Nevertheless, 2010 is looking better as the Mexican economy shows signs ofrebounding. In 2010, Mexican travelers to the U.S. should rise by 3% to reach 12.4million.Best Products/ServicesReturn to topIt is important to differentiate between those Mexican visitors traveling by land and air tothe United States. Mexican land tourists usually travel to the southern states for a shorttime period in order to visit relatives or friends and to shop. In contrast, air travelersusually stay longer and buy packages that include transportation, lodging, shopping, andrecreational activities. These tourists are particularly lucrative since they are the oneswho generate most of the travel and tourism receipts to the United States.The Mid-Atlantic and the Pacific regions maintain the largest market shares for Mexicantravelers to the United States. The top four “first intended” destinations, that are notstrictly border visits, are California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada. The list also includesNew Mexico, Colorado, New York, Illinois and Georgia.OpportunitiesReturn to topMexicans are drawn to the United States because of its variety of destinations,accommodations and modern infrastructure, and excellent travel and tourism services.In particular, Mexicans enjoy destinations that offer shopping, gaming, entertainment,amusement parks, and a cosmopolitan environment. Natural parks and other outdoor