Recently the New York Times published an article evaluating what, to them, was a very surprising phenomenon; despite reports of drug violence, tourist numbers to Mexico are INCREASING significantly. From our own sales experience here at TOP Mexico Real Estate, we have seen the same increase in people choosing to live in Mexico and buying Mexico condos or homes.
Why would this be? While the New York Times (NYT) attributes this apparent contradiction to a “pricing strategy” we’ve discovered something a little closer to the real reason.
Let’s take a look at some of the stats NYT gathered from the Mexico Tourist Board:
- 8.2 million – the number of international tourists in Mexico for 2010 - (from Jan. to Oct., arriving by air)
- 17.8 % – The increase compared to the same months during 2009
- 13.4% – The increase in American travelers during that period over 2009
- 6.4% – The increase compared to 2008, which was the best year for tourism in Mexico in history
Notice that all are INCREASES. NYT also noticed, and, to them, this was a surprise, considering the “H1N1 scares [‘swine flu’ outbreak during 2009] and drug violence.”
The article went on to point out that people who go on vacations or live in Mexico part of the year in Mexico are often surprised to hear people back home shocked that they would dare come to this “dangerous” country.
For us, down here in Playa del Carmen, this comes as no surprise at all. While the drug wars most certainly exist, they are the worst up by parts near the U.S. border, since, unfortunately, that’s where their business gets its cash. There are a few other isolated pockets. Outside of those areas, however, visitors to Mexico, expats, and even common Mexican citizens live day to day life virtually unaffected by these conflicts; this news is as distant to them as it is to many people in the U.S. International news also drew little attention to the fact that Mexico’s reaction to the H1N1 outbreak was very fast and effective, and curbed what could have been a much bigger problem.
So, why the impression that the entire country is ravaged by drug violence and disasters? Well, the reason is one that NYT, CNN or any other news source may not like; their headlines do everything to promote this impression. It sells better. NYT conveniently avoided this point with the easy cop-out, “the pricing strategy seems to be working.”
Yes, prices are a real draw for visiting and living in Mexico; but this is just the reality of international economy, not a conspiracy to distract people from problems. The reality is that people who actually come here – on vacations, for retirement or for any other reason – don’t see drug violence. They don’t see people dropping dead in the streets from the flu.
What they see is beautiful beaches, and awe-inspiring views of lakes, mountains, jungles and forests. They see a warm culture with many colorful traditions, and people who are welcoming and friendly. Yes, they do see petty theft sometimes, especially if people are careless, but that’s true even more so in New York and many other cities in the U.S. Playa del Carmen property sales, and many others around the country, are doing fine, and it’s not just a “pricing strategy” that’s bringing people here.
So, returning back home, visitors and residents are confronted with these bazaar headlines and friends who were worried for their safety. Of course, they’re surprised. Of course the NYT was surprised by the statistics that reflect this reality that runs in the face of the ideas the media has been pushing so hard.
It is nice, at least, that one news source is waking up to a reality backed by numbers and real life stories; hopefully more will follow.
Thomas Lloyd graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 15 years. In the summer of 2009, he received the first federally applied Mexico Real Estate Degree and Mexico Professional Real Estate License S.E.P. #5978657. He is the current president of TOPmexicorealestate, you can contact him at (512) 879-6546 or through the company’s web site www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK
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Aditi Placement Papers says
Great Post!
Thanks for the article..
Playa Breeze says
For Playa del Carmen rentals, I would suggest staying in a private condo in the Natz Ti Ha condominium complex located just steps away from the beach! Rent a condo and experience Playa del Carmen like a local.