Nayarit, Mexico - During his presentation of Mexico's National Tourism Policy in Nayarit this week, President Enrique Peña Nieto said that the actions of the Federal Government regarding tourism will focus on creating a safe environment for travelers in the country.

"Nayarit is a state that has proved its true vocation in tourism. Today I had the opportunity to be in Bahía de Banderas and present the National Tourism Policy in order to open up Mexico to the world and bring the world to Mexico, the president said.

To ensure the success of the National Tourism Policy," it is essential to offer tourists, both domestic and foreign, a safe environment. We will continue working to improve public safety, which is undoubtedly an essential condition for building and promoting our country," he said.

"Mexico is ready to upgrade and reposition its tourism industry globally. It is time to consolidate and build on the tourism capital we already have, and focus on existing destinations in order to modernize and revitalize them," he said. "This is the best way to contribute to the social and economic development of our country."

"The country should take advantage of is privileged position and tourist potential," he said. "On the basis of on a state policy that destroys inertia, we will open up Mexico to the world, and let the world come to Mexico."

He emphasized that for the government, tourism is a key strategic sector for national development. It produces almost nine percent of the gross domestic product while salaries for employees in the tourism sector are thirty percent above the national average. He added that tourism is a wonderful vehicle to move towards a more prosperous, inclusive Mexico, And thereby achieve 2 of the 5 major national goals his administration has set.

Peña Nieto declared that Mexico’s tourism sector still has enormous potential for growth, and will take advantage of it in a timely, intelligent fashion. He stated that it was necessary to create a great synergy between the action of the private sector and the government. "That will give us the opportunity to enhance the tourist sector for the country’s economic development," he said.

As a country with a privileged geographical location, a great potential for connectivity, a large stock of natural, historical, and cultural attractions, Mexico has also shown a great capacity to offer quality tourism products. "Mexico has everything it needs to become a global tourism power, and we are going to achieve this; we want to be a world-class destination," he added.

Nieto declared that the National Tourism Policy is based on four guidelines:

First - Planning and Sectoral Transformation: The institutional framework will be restructured to improve decision making and ensure the effective implementation of various programs to boost tourism. In order to coordinate government efforts, he ordered the creation of a Tourism Cabinet, that he himself will lead.

"We want to achieve full coordination with the governors and the Head of Government of the Federal District to align the policy of the Federal Government with the efforts of the various states of the country," he said.

Second - Innovation and Competitiveness: Mexico is much more than sun and beach resorts; diversification of tourist products is key to leveraging our many attractions and competing in the global arena. "We want to specialize in six segments: sun and beach tourism, cultural tourism, ecotourism and adventure tourism, health tourism, sports tourism, and special interest or luxury tourism. In order to ensure the quality of tourist services, we will implement the National Tourism Certification System. To be successful, we will have to compete on the basis of the quality of services offered by our country," the president stated.

He announced that he had instructed the Secretariats of Tourism and Economics to develop a competitiveness agenda for each of the country’s different tourist destinations. He also asked the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation to ensure that the National Infrastructure Program, to be presented shortly, includes a clear approach to tourism.

Third - Development and Promotion: After endorsing his commitment to completing the road from Guadalajara to Banderas Bay as soon as possible, the president detailed the third guideline. "We must build and strengthen the confidence of investors in our country," he said. "Mexico will be projected to the whole world, but we must also project an image of reliability, infrastructure, modernity, and the various services offered today to international tourism."

Fourth - Sustainability and Social Benefit: "We are going to create instruments to ensure that tourism in Mexico is a clean industry that cares for and preserves our natural heritage, history, and culture," he added. He also mentioned that a program will be promoted to make tourism affordable to all Mexicans because tourism cannot be considered as simply an activity for the privileged few or certain sectors.

"It is time to join forces for the benefit of the Mexican tourism industry. It is time for Mexico to become a world tourism power!"