The Secretary of Tourism of the Mexican Government, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, reported that, according to UN Tourism, Mexico remains the sixth most visited country in the world, registering the arrival of 45 million international tourists in 2024, which represents an increase of 7.4 percent compared to 2023.
Rodríguez Zamora highlighted that, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), last year 86.4 million international visitors were recorded, an increase of 15.5 percent compared to 2023. Additionally, foreign currency inflows of $33 billion were recorded, representing a growth of 7.4 percent compared to 2023 and 34 percent compared to 2019.
The head of the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) highlighted that in 2024, 23.2 million international tourists arrived in Mexico by air. 1.5 percent more than in 2023 and 18 percent more compared to 2019, with an average spending of $1,167, 3.6 percent more than in 2023 and 16.5 percent more than in 2019.
He mentioned that the positive trend has continued in 2025, as during the first four months of the year, 31.5 million international visitors were registered, representing a 13.3 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. During that same period, foreign currency income reached $13.311 billion, a 6.4 percent increase compared to 2024.
From January to April 2025, 4.3 million passengers arrived on cruise ships at the country’s various ports, generating an economic impact of $369 million, 13 percent more than the same period last year.
She also noted that in 2023, the Tourism Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached 2 trillion 582 billion 001 million pesos in current values, with a growth rate in constant values of 4.4 percent compared to 2022, a figure higher than the total national GDP growth, which increased 3.2 percent. She also explained that the tourism GDP’s share of the national GDP was 8.6 percent in current values.
Regarding the sector’s resilience, she emphasized that Mexico has demonstrated a dynamic recovery after the pandemic, unlike other tourism powers, having already surpassed pre-health crisis levels.
The head of Sectur highlighted the importance of tourism as a national economic engine and the social benefits it brings, through the creation of direct and indirect jobs. He added that the employed population in the sector by the first quarter of 2025 reached 5.0 million people, 2.9 percent more than in 2024.
In this regard, he stated that, according to the Center for Tourism Research and Competitiveness at Anáhuac University Mexico, 5.1 million Mexicans escaped poverty from 2018 to 2022, of which nearly 490,000 did so thanks to tourism, or 9.7 percent.
Furthermore, Mexico reaffirms its position as a tourism leader in the Americas, since, according to UN Tourism, it ranks second in tourist arrivals, only after the United States.
Rodríguez Zamora reiterated that, as part of Plan Mexico, the goal is for our country to rise to fifth place in the world ranking of most visited countries by 2030.
“This is our main goal: to be the fifth most visited country. To achieve this, the entire sector must work. And not just the tourism sector; all federal ministries, because as Mexicans, we must be ambassadors for our country, sharing the good news and its greatness,” he expressed.
He noted that 2026 will be a key year to achieving this goal, as Mexico will host historic events of international stature that will place it “in the eyes of the world,” highlighting its craftsmanship, gastronomy, culture, ancient history, natural wealth, and the warmth of its people.
Among these events, he highlighted the 2026 World Cup; the International Tourism Fair (Fitur) 2026, where Mexico will participate as a partner country; and the first edition of the German tourism fair ITB Americas, which will take place in Guadalajara, Jalisco.
During the current administration, community tourism has been a priority, with a focus on strengthening the production chain from local communities in the 32 states, with the goal of equitably distributing the economic benefits across all regions of Mexico.
Mexico is a tourism powerhouse due to its grandeur, the warmth and joy of its people, the pride in our ancient roots represented and preserved in its 194 archaeological sites and among its Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, its unsurpassed natural wonders, its history symbolized in more than 30 World Heritage sites, its artistic splendor housed in 1,669 museums, the colors of its crafts, and its delicious, world-renowned cuisine.
“Mexico is a destination that has captivated millions of people around the world thanks to its cultural grandeur. Traveling through our country is a unique experience, full of diversity. It has something for everyone, and the reasons to visit are countless. Every trip is an opportunity to discover its essence and understand why Mexico is so fashionable,” he concluded.
Source: gob
