Tourism and NAFTA: Towards a regional tourism policy

Abstract

This article discusses the implications of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)∗∗In Mexico the correct term to refer to the topic is ‘Tratado’ — in English, ‘Treaty’ — for this, according to international law, an agreement which requires ratification by the legislatures of the countries which sign it. Besides, for semantic reasons, in the Public Administration of Mexico the concept ‘Acuerdo’ — in English ‘Agreement’ is used for resolutions of the Federal Executive. for the development of tourism in Mexico. Recognizing that tourism was not specifically addressed when considered by itself, this article briefly reviews NAFTA's contents and identifies issues that will impact on the organization and development of Mexican tourism activities and tourism policies. Regardless of the potential that NAFTA has for the growth of international tourism between Mexico and each of the other North American countries, the paper concludes with a discussion of the design and implementation of coordinated tourism policies among the three nations since NAFTA went into effect on 1 January 1994.