Mexico announces creation of new tourist resort

MEXICO CITY — Mexico is getting another beach resort on its Pacific coast.

President Felipe Calderon says the resort will boast 7 miles (12 kilometers) of beach, a marina, golf courses, hotels and condominiums.

Calderon says it will create 78,000 jobs, attract 3 million tourists a year and generate $2.8 billion annually.

Calderon calls the development in Escuinapa, Sinaloa, the most important tourism project in 25 years.

The president said Monday that the government will provide about US$500 million to build the resort. Private investment is expected to come up with nearly US$7 billion.

Mexico’s economy relies heavily on tourism. The country draws millions of visitors each year to beach resorts like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.