Mexico plans to increase its allure for tourists everywhere

Mexico largely through its government-sponsored tourism arm along with private developers has dramatically changed the face of tourism in that country.

While largely rural and still significantly dependent on oil revenues, the country's No. 2 economic engine is tourism, mainly through the development of a number of coastal luxury resorts.

Mexico brings in millions of visitors each year. While other nations are suffering from a tourism decline, Mexico's total was up about 8 percent the first half of 2008. The country is expected to be the second fastest-growing tourist destination in the world within a few years.

The agency behind the development of these resorts is Fonatur, Mexico's national trust for tourism promotion. Created 35 years ago, Fonatur was designed to promote new projects and raise the necessary capital for them.

The country's economy has been well-rewarded. Five of Mexico's top beach resorts that have been initiated by Fonatur Cancun, Ixtapa, Los Cabos, Loreto and the Bays of Huatulco have created thousands of jobs, bringing in more than half of the foreign tourist dollars to the country.