Mexico has strengthened its standing as a global tourism powerhouse, achieving second place in the Americas for international tourist arrivals in 2024, according to the latest World Tourism Barometer published by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
With 45 million international arrivals, Mexico trailed only the United States (72.4 million) while outperforming other major destinations such as Canada (19.9 million) and the Dominican Republic (8.5 million). This milestone reflects the country’s strategic position, cultural richness, and internationally recognized natural venues and cuisine.
Mexican Minister of Tourism Josefina Rodríguez Zamora emphasized that the 2024 numbers represent a 7.4% increase over 2023, consolidating Mexico’s image as one of the most attractive travel destinations worldwide.
“In line with the vision of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, we are promoting tourism as a driver of Shared Prosperity, generating well-being and opportunities in every corner of the country. The fact that Mexico welcomed 45 million international tourists in 2024 reaffirms our global leadership,” Rodríguez Zamora said.
A total of 86.4 million international visitors entered Mexico last year, 15.5% more than in 2023. Of these, 23.2 million were air travelers, 1.5% more than in 2023 and 18% above 2019 figures. Their average spending reached USD $1,167, a 3.6% year-on-year increase and 16.5% above pre-pandemic levels.
The Minister emphasized that the strong growth trend continues in 2025. In the first half of the year, Mexico received 23.4 million international tourists, a 7.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024 and 6.2% above 2019. This figure exceeded the total number of visitors Canada received during the whole of 2024.
Foreign exchange earnings also reflected this robust performance, totaling USD $18.68 billion, a 6.3% increase over the first six months of 2024 and 43.1% higher than in 2019.
Mexico’s ports experienced exceptional growth in cruise tourism, welcoming 5.7 million cruise passengers in the first half of 2025, a 9.6% increase compared to 2024 and 20.8% above 2019 levels.
This boost is part of a broader trend of diversification in Mexico’s tourism sector, ensuring that benefits are spread across coastal destinations and smaller communities linked to maritime tourism.
Rodríguez Zamora stressed that tourism growth has translated into a direct economic impact on local communities. Spending by excursionists (short-term visitors) generated USD $484.2 million in the first half of 2025, an 11.3% increase compared to 2024 and nearly 50% more than in 2019.
“These results highlight not only Mexico’s strength and competitiveness in tourism but also the confidence that millions of travelers place in our country for its safety, hospitality, and diverse experiences,” she said. “Tourism is fueling development, employment, and income generation across the nation.”
Mexico’s Position in Global Tourism
The World Tourism Barometer, published annually since 2003, tracks global tourism trends and provides updated analyses to governments, businesses, and academics. Mexico’s rise to becoming the second-most visited destination in the Americas underscores its resilience, adaptability, and growing influence on the global stage.
“Mexico’s leadership in tourism is not only a matter of numbers; it represents the trust of international travelers, the richness of our cultural heritage, and the collective effort to ensure that tourism remains a true engine of prosperity.” Rodríguez Zamora concluded.
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.
