Mexico City.– The Mexican tourism sector reported record revenues of 12.97 billion dollars in 2007, accounting for a 6.6-percent increase compared to the previous year.

Local tourism authorities pointed out that the country received 21.5 million foreign vacationers, who spent an average of 487 dollars each.

If that tendency continues, tourist arrivals will increase 1.8 percent, to 21.7 million foreign vacationers.

The tourist balance was also favorable, reporting a surplus of 4.74 billion dollars, that is, 16.6 percent more than in 2006.

Last year's investments in Mexico's tourism sector totaled 3.4 billion dollars. Investments will increase to 7.7 billion dollars this year.