by Donald Wood
Last updated: 1:23 PM ET, Thu August 30, 2018
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) officially announced that Mexico is now the sixth most visited country in the world.
The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) originally announced the news in April, but the UNWTO confirmed the country welcomed 39.3 million international visitors (a 12 percent increase), which catapulted Mexico from eighth to sixth overall.
Mexico's growth as a tourist hotspot is incredible. Since being ranked the 15th most visited destination in 2013, the country has jumped 62 percent to its sixth-place ranking. The increase was the fastest of any large global destination.
"Mexico's historic ascent on the list of the world's most visited countries is a testament to the fact that Mexico is indeed a world of its own, and one that people want to discover again and again," Mexico Secretary of Tourism Enrique de la Madrid said in a statement. "We are proud of everything Mexico, and the more than 10 million Mexicans working in this industry, have to offer visitors. I am confident that this positive momentum will continue as more people discover the incredible experiences Mexico has to offer."
There are many reasons behind the blockbuster growth of Mexico, including the development of new and existing destinations, the diversification of tourism products and improved partnerships with airlines and hotels.
To continue the nation's growth, the Mexico Tourism Board is working with industry partners in the United States and Canada to host unique events and experiences, such as Formula 1, the NFL and the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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