MEXICO CITY, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Mexico will receive a record number of 41 million tourists in 2018, Enrique de la Madrid, the minister of tourism, said on Wednesday.

This historic number will benefit various sectors of the economy, the minister said.

In 2017 Mexico received 39.3 million visitors, which meant it was the world's sixth most visited country, according to the minster.

"This represents higher revenue and, more importantly, more employment for Mexicans," said De la Madrid at the closing ceremony of the 2014-2018 School of Tourism course at the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City.

"Mexico is living through one of the best and maybe longest periods in the tourism sector," he said during the speech.

Mexican tourism numbers have risen dramatically over the last several years. The number for 2018 will almost double that in 2012, when 23 million tourists visited the country, according to the World Tourism Organization.

The government estimates that if the current growth is maintained, Mexico's tourism industry should account for around 10 percent of the country's GDP in the next few years.

On May 8, De la Madrid said Mexico hopes to become the fifth most popular tourist destination in the world, thanks to the positive experience travelers have enjoyed in the country.

The minister also said recently that attracting Chinese tourists was a priority.