by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 4:51 PM ET, Mon June 25, 2018
Tourism is booming in Mexico, bringing in record amounts of revenue from international visitors and millions of foreign travelers.
The sector has grown to be the third-largest source of income for the country, behind the automotive industry and remittance from abroad. In 2017, Mexico netted $21.3 billion from international tourism, an 8.3 percent increase from 2016.
At a press conference earlier this year, Tourism Minister Enrique de la Madrid said much of the success and growth in the tourism industry can be traced to a decision to pioneer a special tourism strategy backed by public policies that allow the sector to experience "an unprecedented boost to the development of a modern, competitive and environmentally responsible tourism offering."
One of the places where the tourism boom has become most evident is Mexico City.
Global air connectivity to the country's capital has been growing steadily in response to leisure and business tourism demand, according to information recently released by the Mexico City Tourism Board.
Increased airline service offerings to Mexico City from North America include:
-American Airlines will begin daily service between Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Benito Jurez International Airport (MEX) on July 5th
-Interjet has expanded its four-time weekly service between Mexico City and Orlando, connecting passengers to Orlando International Airport daily starting June 14.
- JetBlue has announced plans to introduce two new daily nonstop flights to Mexico City with service from Boston and New York?s John F. Kennedy International Airport beginning October 25. The new routes, subject to government approval, will add to JetBlue?s existing service to Mexico City from Orlando International Airport and Fort Lauderdale. With this new service, JetBlue will offer six daily flights between the US and Mexico?s capital city.
The expanding flight options are just one part of the news tied to the thriving Mexico City tourism industry. The city is also home to a growing number of intriguing and colorful festivals and events throughout the year, from centuries-old traditions to modern-day offerings.
Macabro International Horror Film Festival (August 21 - September 2, 2018)
Nearly 35,000 people attend this annual festival, which celebrates a mix of new, independent horror films along with the classics and cult-following flicks. Created in 2002 by its director Edna Campos and Arturo Casteln as Macabro: Festival of Horror in Film and Video is now a must for movie lovers and audiences eager to learn about the national and international audiovisual horror culture, its creators and its many manifestations.
Telcel Mexico City Marathon (August 26, 2018)
The Telcel Mexico City Marathon is a joint project made possible by the Mexico City Major and the Sport Institute of Mexico City. Now in its 36th year, the race will take place on August 26, 2018, and follow the 1968 Summer Olympics route starting in the Juarez Monument in Alameda Park and finishing in the Olympic Stadium. More than 35,000 runners from all over the world are expected to participate.
Gallery Weekend (September 20-23, 2018)
Held annually in late September, nearly 50 galleries and independent venues spotlight over 50 art exhibitions with works by more than 150 artists throughout the city during Gallery Weekend, showcasing a variety of great artistic works and the city's creative minds.
Design Week Mexico (October 3-7, 2018)
Founded in 2009 by Emilio Cabrero, Andrea Cesarman, Marco Coello and Jaime Hernndez, Design Week Mexico aims to promote creativity and design as catalysts for social change. Throughout its eight-year history, Design Week has offered a varied program with a wide range of exhibitions, architecture pavilions, conferences, installations and documentaries that generate a dialogue between professionals, students and the general public alike.
DocsMX International Documentary Film Festival (October 11-20, 2018)
DocsMX is the annual International Documentary Film Festival of Mexico City. As one of Latin America's most important film events, this festival exhibits nonfiction films while also honoring new, contemporary filmmakers and the best works from around the world.
Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix (October 28, 2018)
The Mexican Grand Prix is a Fdration Internationale de l'Automobile sanctioned auto race held at the Autdromo Hermanos Rodrguez in Mexico City named after Mexico's famous racing brothers and F1 trailblazers Ricardo and Pedro Rodriguez.
It first appeared as a non-championship event in 1962 before being held as a championship event from 1963-1970 and 1986-1992. The Grand Prix returned in 2015 at the Mexico City circuit and in its fourth year, has quickly become one of the most electrifying races on the Formula 1 calendar.
Abierto Mexicano de Dise?o Festival (October 18-22, 2018)
An international festival dedicated to celebrating all aspects of design, this program covers all disciplines such as graphic design, architecture, fashion, industrial design and more. Taking place during the festival are a number of cultural and trade shows, conferences, presentations, screenings, workshops, parties, tours and outdoor events in the Historic Center of Mexico City.
Dia de Los Muertos (November 1-2, 2018)
Da de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), one of Mexico's best known holidays and most celebrated events in Mexico City, takes place annually on November 1st -2nd and is celebrated widely throughout the city over the course of a week. Situated atop ancient and colonial ruins, the metropolis of Mexico City blends historic traditions and contemporary culture during the Day of the Dead, which is a celebration honoring departed loved ones.
Festivities include a parade through the Zcalo, the city's main square, candlelight rituals, time-honored ceremonies, street fairs and live performances throughout the various Mexico City neighborhoods.
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