Mexico is an increasingly popular tourist destination for Canadians, with 2010 spending up 21 percent over the previous year, according to a report published by Visa, Tourism Outlook: Mexico.
In 2010 alone, Canadians spent $538 million on travel and tourism in Mexico, up from $445 million in 2009. As a major source of tourism dollars for the Latin American country, Canada trails second only to the U.S., and is significantly ahead of Spain, in third place with $102 million in tourism spending for 2010.
"Canadian tourists continue to have a positive impact on the Mexican tourism economy. The strong willingness and desire of Canadians to travel across the southern border reinforces the importance of the North American tourism industry to the region’s continued economic growth," said Eduardo Coello, with Visa in Mexico.
Once in Mexico, international visitors used their Visa cards primarily on retail purchases like clothing and food, which made up 51 percent of the money spent. Accommodations accounted for 17 percent of 2010 spending, with flights making up only 4 percent of the total amount spent.