Under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to a tourism model that generates Shared Prosperity, promotes more just societies, and contributes to environmental protection.
Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez Zamora emphasized that “tourism in Mexico is much more than travel and experiences: it is a driver of development and a generator of Shared Prosperity. One out of every ten people who escaped poverty did so thanks to this noble activity.”
Currently, tourism accounts for 8.6% of the national GDP, equivalent to 2.6 trillion pesos, and generates more than 5 million jobs, making it the leading employer of young people and the second largest employer of women. Rodríguez Zamora highlighted that these figures demonstrate the sector’s strategic role in driving the economy and improving quality of life.
The official pointed out that Community Tourism is one of the core pillars of Mexico’s national tourism policy, as it places host communities at the center, ensuring they are the main beneficiaries of tourism activities. This approach guarantees a fair distribution of income while preserving natural resources and protecting cultural heritage.
“This model responds to the mandate of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, who has called for sustainable development that strengthens the country’s cultural wealth and improves the quality of life in communities,” she said.
Between January and July 2025, Mexico received 21.682 billion U.S. dollars in revenue from international visitors, representing an increase of 6.8% compared to 2024 and 42.4% compared to 2019. During the same period, the country welcomed 27.7 million international tourists, which is 7.2% more than in 2024 and 5.5% more than in 2019.
In total, 55.8 million international visitors arrived in Mexico in the first seven months of the year, reflecting a 13.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Domestic air travel transported 36.4 million passengers, up 4% from 2024 and 19.3% from 2019.
During this time, 6.61 million foreign women arrived in Mexico by air, marking a 1.7% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the Tourism Investment Portfolio reported 473 projects across 26 states by September, with a value exceeding 22 billion U.S. dollars.
The sector also generated 127,334 new jobs during the second quarter of 2025, a 2.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Likewise, Mexico’s museums received 6.8 million visitors, while archaeological sites recorded 6 million visitors, both showing significant growth compared to previous years.
Rodríguez Zamora stressed that tourism development in Mexico not only strengthens the economy but also advances in harmony with the environment and with an inclusive vision, where local communities, women, and young people play a key role.
“Today more than ever, tourism is a force for sustainable transformation, capable of building a more prosperous, fair, and respectful Mexico—one that honors its natural and cultural heritage,” the Minister concluded.
Related: Mexico Promotes Community Tourism in the Maya World with Catalog of 42 Experiences
Mexican Press Agency is part of ALMA, which is dedicated to news and information about Mexico and Mexicans in the United States and is a fiscally sponsored project of Social Focus, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Redwood City, California.
