increase in tourism from Texas to Mexico

Funjet Vacations announced today that statistics released by the Mexico Tourism Board show a surge in travel from Texas to the country's top beach destinations and resort areas. Despite a continued stream of negative media coverage, over 253,000 travelers visited Mexico from Texas in December and 210,000 in January compared to 224,000 and 196,000 in the previous year, respectively.

Expedia, Inc., the world's largest online travel company, today released booking data from its global websites showing rising demand for travel into Mexico. Travel bookings to Mexico made on the more than 90 Expedia® and Hotels.com® travel sites worldwide have risen nearly 25 percent over the past 12 months, with the majority of international demand coming from travelers in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

The number of Mexico hotels that have partnered with Expedia has grown more than 30 percent over the past year. For these hotels, becoming a part of Expedia's global online travel marketplace means exposure to over 50 million travelers that visit Expedia and Hotels.com sites each month, including Expedia.com.mx and Hoteles.com in Mexico – a number that is expected to increase as a growing population of domestic and international consumers choose to use the internet to research and book their travel.

"The number of people flying out of Texas cities into Mexico is up 12 percent from last year, and December saw the most travelers for that month in a decade," said Mike Going, president of Funjet Vacations. "Year-after-year Mexico remains a top travel destination for both Funjet Vacations and the Texas market and we are optimistic about the forecast for 2011. We believe properly informed consumers will continue to desire the unique vacation experiences that only Mexico can offer."

The increase in tourism from Texas has been seen most prominently in top beach destinations and resort areas, including Cancun, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya, which are located in the southeast and southwest regions of the country.

"We are working closely with tour operators from Texas and throughout the U.S. and are pleased to have their continued support," said Alfonso Sumano, Director for the Americas of the Mexican Tourism Board. "Travel agents serve as experts in not only flights and accommodations, but provide important information about regional activities which is why we work so closely with companies such as Funjet Vacations to educate and train travel agents on the activities taking place in our country."

Known for its warm culture and hospitality, Mexico offers an incredible value for any travel budget. Unique historic sites, pristine beaches and an array of water activities from scuba diving to jet skiing are the perfect backdrop for family vacations, honeymoons, spring breaks and more.

Travel statistics provided by the Mexican Tourism Board measure the number of passengers arriving on flights each month. Additional information can be found at www.siimt.com.