30 Minute Interview

'Mexico Tourism Board plans to come to India'

India's state visit to Mexico is a clear indication of the growing relationship between the countries. Gerardo Sanchez-Maleno, minister, deputy chief of mission, Embassy of Mexico in India, speaks about the country's plans regarding tourism promotion in India. By Anupama Sushil

How does Mexico perceive India as a potential market?

We rate India as the third-largest market in Asia. This is also attributed to the tourist numbers from India to Mexico that saw an increase of 180 per cent in the period 2005-07. This year the Mexico tourism body participated at two major trade fairs in the Indian capital which makes Delhi one of the main target markets, apart from Mumbai and Kolkata. According to the Mexico Tourism Board, India is an English speaking country, which is why it will surpass China and Japan.

What initiatives have you planned for India?

The tourism board is planning to come to India sometime next year and is looking at opening an office here. Currently, our focus is on creating awareness about our products and making people realise the diversity of Mexico as a destination. There will soon be a publicity campaign on Mexico in the broadcast media.

The board is also strongly looking at the possibility of inviting the Indian film industry. Encouraging business communication between travel operators the past year saw participation of about six important Indian travel agents at Tainguis Turistico - Mexico's premier tourism event. The embassy aims to take in more agents for the next year now and newer agents who would be keen to explore the Mexican market.

How do connectivity and visa issues stand currently?

While there are no direct flights right now, Aero Mexico, our official airline, will be expanding its services into Shanghai from Mexico City this year. This means that many international carriers can now tie up with the airlines and create connections into Mexico directly from Shanghai. This will surely make travelling to the country easier. Aero Mexico has tied up with Air France for the same and is actively looking for more tie-ups with different carriers.

We are also making provisions as far as visas are concerned with multiple-entry visas. Earlier, the stay duration permitted was less but now we want business travellers to extend their stay thereby increasing chances for leisure tourism.