Mexico predicts big surge in tourism this year

Based on rising tourism numbers in the first half of the year, Mexican tourism officials predict the country will host 24.7 million foreign visitors in 2012, surpassing last year's record of 23.4 million.

In the first half of the year, Mexico reported a 77 percent increase in visitors from Russia, a 61 percent jump from Brazil and a 38 percent bump from Venezuela. The number of travelers from the US dropped 1 percent.

"Despite one of the worst financial crises in years, a flu outbreak and security challenges, we are seeing the highest tourism numbers ever," Mexico's secretary of tourism, Gloria Guevara said.

Source: Los Angeles Times