Editorial: Europe's loss, Mexico's gain
Web Posted: 09/30/2004 12:00 AM CDT

San Antonio Express-News Article

Fewer Americans are flying to Europe these days because of terrorism fears and the weak dollar. That's bad news for Europe, but good news for Mexico.

According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, major U.S. airlines are increasing their service to Mexico to keep up with the demand.

In all, nonstop routes to Mexico this month were up 27 percent since September 2002.

Major airlines such as Continental, US Airways Group and American are adding nonstop flights, as are discount carriers such as America West and Frontier.

One travel survey showed that trips to Mexico were at the top of the list for fall destinations, while London fell to sixth place and Paris to 12th.

The most popular destinations for travelers are not Mexico's large cities, where fear of crime, especially kidnapping, is still great.

Instead, travelers are flocking to tourist-based destinations such as Playa del Carmen on Mexico's East Coast and Huatulco and Manzanillo, Pacific coastal towns popular for fishing.

The increased competition among airlines is good for U.S. consumers, and the additional flights are bringing new tourist dollars into Mexico.

Now if our city leaders can figure out a way for all those tourists to layover in San Antonio, our economy could also benefit.