Smaller Suppliers Getting Online Boost from VisitMexico Site

Small travel suppliers in Mexico have always had unique experiences to offer travelers, but getting the marketing message out to them has been a longstanding challenge, complicated as much by communications as by geography.

With its eye on social responsibility and spreading the benefits of tourism through the country, the Mexico Ministry of Tourism is turning to the Internet to resolve those complications.

In June, the tourism board expects to launch booking capabilities for a wide range of suppliers through VisitMexico.com, the official national tourism website, in order to give small and large suppliers the ability to attract travelers and enable them to schedule trip accommodations directly to out-of-the-way destinations.

Enhanced search engine technology is helping bring Mexico’s tourism opportunities to travelers when they search online travel sites and even news sites, he said.

Last month, the tourism ministry cut a deal with Expedia to raise the profile of VisitMexico.com on the Expedia site, and it is working closely with other online travel agencies to complete similar deals this year.

Among the products that tourism officials are pushing are the historic haciendas of Mexico. Many of the plantation-like farms were focused primarily on single agricultural products. Renovations enable investors to offer boutique hotel opportunities to travelers, along with other unique amenities, which combine a cultural experience with a resort atmosphere and economic opportunity.