Interview: Mexico must ease visa process to boost Chinese tourism: industry leader

A Mexican tourism industry leader believes a boosted flow of Chinese tourists will depend on a simplified visa application process.

Easing the visa application process will immediately raise the number of Chinese visitors, Jorge Hernandez, president of the Mexican Federation of Tourism Associations (Fematur), told Xinhua.

Fewer than 60,000 Chinese travelers visited Mexico in 2014, according to official figures.

"Mexico must diversify its market, that's why we are calling on the authorities to follow up on the visa issue," Hernandez said.

"It's time to establish better tourism ties between Mexico and China," he said, noting 2015 is the Mexico-China Year of Tourism.

The industry expert also wants the government to increase its promotional budget "to adequately promote (Mexico) in China."

In addition, Hernandez said air connection should be enhanced, as currently there is only one direct flight between the two countries, the number of Chinese-speaking guides should be increased, and signage at airports, hotels and restaurants should be provided in Chinese.

"We have to try harder," he said.

Some 100 million Chinese nationals travel the world each year, noted Hernandez, adding "our goal is to capture 1 percent of the tourism China generates, that would be a very important number for us."

In December, tour operators from both countries signed eight accords to boost the flow of tourism in both directions. Among the Chinese companies that took part were the Shanghai Spring International Travel Service (Group) Co. Ltd; GZL International Travel Service Ltd; CYTS Tours Holding Co. Ltd, and China International Travel Service Ltd. Endi