Mexico has solidified its position as one of the world’s leading tourism powers, maintaining its spot as the sixth most visited country globally in 2024. According to official figures from UN Tourism, the country welcomed 45 million international tourists, marking a 7.4% increase compared to 2023.
Minister of Tourism Josefina Rodríguez Zamora hailed this achievement, emphasizing that Mexico is not only progressing on the global stage but also ranks as the second most visited destination in the Americas, only behind the United States.
According to data from the National Statistics Institute (INEGI), Mexico received 86.4 million international visitors in 2024—a 15.5% increase—which generated US$32.96 billion in revenue. This is 7.4% higher than in 2023 and a remarkable 34.1% increase compared to 2019, before the pandemic.
One of the most notable indicators is the arrival of 23.2 million inbound air travelers, who spent an average of US$1,166 per person—reflecting higher-value tourism. These figures represent increases of 1.5% and 3.6%, respectively, compared to the previous year.
The positive trend continues into 2025. In just the first four months of the year, 31.5 million international visitors arrived in the country, a 13.3% increase over the same period in 2024. During that timeframe, foreign currency revenue reached US$13.31 billion, reflecting 6.4% growth.
In addition, 4.3 million cruise ship passengers arrived between January and April, generating US$368.7 million, a 13.2% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
Rodríguez Zamora emphasized that tourism continues to be a key pillar of national development. In 2024, foreign direct investment in tourism reached US$2.87 billion, accounting for 7.8% of all FDI in Mexico. At the macroeconomic level, tourism GDP reached 2.58 trillion pesos (US$134 billion), a 4.4% growth in real terms, surpassing national GDP growth (3.2%).
On the social side, the sector provided employment to 5 million people in the first quarter of 2025—2.9% more than the previous year. According to data from Universidad Anáhuac México, nearly 490,000 people emerged from poverty between 2018 and 2022 thanks to tourism.
On the Road to the Global Top 5
Currently ranked sixth globally, Mexico aims to climb one spot in the UN Tourism rankings by 2030. “That is our great goal: to become the fifth most visited country in the world. We must all work together to make it happen,” Rodríguez Zamora said.
The year 2026 will be pivotal for reaching this milestone, as Mexico will host several major international events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, FITUR—where Mexico will be the partner country—and the ITB Americas in Guadalajara, Jalisco.
The Minister stressed that Mexico is about more than just numbers: “It’s our people, our culture, our ancient history, and our hospitality that make it a truly unique destination.” With 194 archaeological sites, over 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,669 museums, and internationally acclaimed culinary wonders, Mexico continues to captivate millions with its authenticity.
“Traveling through our country is a unique experience. Mexico is in style, and it will continue to be as long as we keep betting on inclusive, sustainable, and high-quality tourism,” she concluded.
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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.
