Mexico Reorganizing Tourism Offices

The Mexican government last week abruptly closed all 13 of its foreign tourism offices. It is expected to replace them with a privately funded operation. In the interim, some offices will continue to answer individuals’ questions but are suspending regular operations, such as working on trade shows and sending out brochures.

A spokeswoman at the Mexican Government Tourism Office in Los Angeles, which employed five people, said the closures were a cost-cutting effort. In another pare-down two years ago, the Los Angeles operation was scaled back and moved from Century City into Mexico’s consulate downtown. Mexico has operated four other tourism offices in the U.S. besides Los Angeles--in New York, Miami, Chicago and Houston--plus three in Canada and five in Europe.

The spokeswoman said U.S. employees were given the news May 23, a week before the effective date. She said some employees may be rehired by the private organization, which is funded largely by hoteliers, airlines and other tourism concerns, called the Consejo de Promocion Turistica de Mexico. It is expected to begin operating by the end of this month.

Meanwhile, she said, travelers can order brochures and maps and get other information by calling (800) 44-MEXICO.