Playa del Carmen Condo Sales; Tourism Increases from U.S., Canada

Those interested in Playa del Carmen condo sales for the purpose of income from vacation rentals will be happy to know that the number of American and Canadian tourists visiting Mexico during 2010 increased nearly 10% over 2011. Since the majority of tourists arriving in Mexico are Americans, this increase is an overall very positive indication.

Early in 2011, Mexico's Ministry of Tourism reported that in 2010 the country welcomed just under 6 million (5,907,528) visitors arriving by plane from the U.S., which is 9.7 % higher than 2009.

Those investing in Playa del Carmen condo sales are directly dependent on the number of tourists arriving, which determines the demand for vacation rental units. While Mexico's – especially Playa del Carmen's – international appeal in Europe and other parts of the world is likewise a strong point, it remains attractive for U.S. residents that the majority are Americans, adding a sense of comfort while visiting. This is likewise true in real estate sales; one important attraction to buy in Playa del Carmen is the presence of a significant expat community.

Other parts of Mexico which enjoyed significant increase in visitors from the U.S. include Los Cabos in Baja California, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan on the Pacific Coast, Guadalajara in the central interior, Mazatlan and Merida on the Yucatan Peninsula a few hours away from Playa del Carmen.

Visitors from Canada, likewise a major source of Mexico's tourists. In 2010 Mexico registered a about 1.5 million (1,460,418) Canadian citizens visiting Mexico. This number is 19.4 per cent higher than in 2009.

The increase in Canadian visitors is an interesting point as well; in recent years, the Canadian dollar has been hovering just under par with the U.S., giving Canadians greater purchasing power abroad. This fact has demonstrated itself both in the increase of Canadians visiting Mexico, and in a significant increase of Canadians investing in Mexico real estate in places like Playa del Carmen.

Canadian residents and visitors integrate fairly well into American expat communities and tourist groups, strengthening the sensation of being around a large number of people from "back home."

In numerous aspects, the very significant increase in Canadian visitors is also favorable for those contemplating investing in Playa del Carmen real estate.

According to Mexico's Integral System for Immigration Operations (SIOM), the United States remains the largest issuer of visitors to Mexico, counting for 60 percent of international visitors arriving to Mexico by air.

The statistics focused on tourists arriving by air, since these have been shown to generate the most economic benefit; most tourists arriving to Playa del Carmen arrive by air (at the Cancun International Airport) because of its distance from the U.S. border.

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