Mexican tourists in Texas (Houston, San Antonio: condos, how much, homes)

[Dopo]

I moved to San Antonio a year ago from Missouri and one thing I didn't know was the huge number of tourists that drive to Texas from Mexico.

- Anybody have any numbers related to how much money mexican tourists bring to Texas' economy?
- Why do they flood the malls and outlets? How much cheaper is it than buying the same product in Mexico?
- I've seen license plates from Mexico City, Jalisco, etc. (almost southern Mexico) Is it common for people to make that drive?

[texan55]

1 - they bring in a LOT of money.
2 - a lot of the brands they buy in the u.s. cannot be bought in mexico.
3 - it's very common for them to make the drive... or to fly.


they usually have a LOT Of money too.

[blkgiraffe]

Originally Posted by Dopo

I moved to San Antonio a year ago from Missouri and one thing I didn't know was the huge number of tourists that drive to Texas from Mexico.

- Anybody have any numbers related to how much money mexican tourists bring to Texas' economy?
- Why do they flood the malls and outlets? How much cheaper is it than buying the same product in Mexico?
- I've seen license plates from Mexico City, Jalisco, etc. (almost southern Mexico) Is it common for people to make that drive?

Yeah; The Galleria in Houston attracts lots of rich latinos.

[el_inombrable]

Many Mexicans are going to texas for a destination that is close and accessible.

Clothing is generally cheaper in Texas than in Mexico and the variety of brands and styles is superior.

The income generated from the Mexican tourism are very important to the Texas economy.

Contrary to what many think, not all Mexican tourists are rich, some are middle class. Many people keep family ties with people in texas and this is one reason why it is one of the favorite destinations for Mexicans.

[Dopo]

I was guessing that a lot of mexicans visit Texas to visit their relatives.
But I went to the outlets in San Marcos and I think 50% of the cars in the parking lot had license plates from Mexico.

[hellpaso]

A lot of Mexican nationals also keep homes here--in my gated community, something like 70% are owned by Mexicans and are usually only occupied on weekends. It makes for a quiet neighborhood! The mall in McAllen (LaPlaza) earns more money per square foot than any other mall in the U.S.

[Dopo]

Originally Posted by hellpaso

The mall in McAllen (LaPlaza) earns more money per square foot than any other mall in the U.S.

Impressive

[FarNorthDallas]

A lot of the condos in South Padre are owned by rich Mexicans, too. (At least that's what someone told us when we were there last summer.)

[ShaneSA]

I've been driving I35 from San Antonio to places south near the border for work. That said, I see many Texas and other US plated cars loaded to the hilt with stuff and only 2 or 3 people in the car. It seems, the Texas are headed to Mexico to visit relatives and have filled a shopping list of things.
I am going to Mexico in January to visit friends and will be taking 2 suitcases. One for me, one for thier stuff they ordered. They can't get the quality or variety in Mexico that the US has.

[Dopo]

ShaneSA,
what kind of stuff? mostly electronics?
Because I doubt they are going to order American pottery