Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodríguez Zamora reported that Mexico registered an increase in key tourism indicators during January 2026, with increases in international visitors, economic impact, and air travel, in addition to significant growth in the Chinese market.
She detailed that Mexico received 8.84 million international visitors who did not stay overnight in the country, representing a 10% increase compared to January 2025.
Furthermore, a record high of 4.29 million international tourists was reached, a figure 8.6% higher than the same period of the previous year.
In economic terms, tourism revenue exceeded US$3.4 billion, with an increase of nearly 4% year-on-year.
One of the most relevant data points, Rodríguez Zamora highlighted, was the growth in tourism from China, which registered a record increase of 15.7% in January.
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“Look at the increase in the Chinese market in January: 15.7% more visitors to our country. This increase is historic,” she emphasized.
Other source markets also showed growth, such as Colombia (12%), Canada (9.7%), Spain (7%), and Argentina (8%), while US tourism remained stable.
The Minister of Tourism added that the cruise segment also reported positive results, with the arrival of 1.28 million passengers, 10.6% more than in January 2015. These passengers generated an economic impact of over $111 million, driven by the purchase of handicrafts and tour packages that include communities and Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns).
In terms of air connectivity, domestic flights carried 5.18 million passengers, a 2% increase, while international flights transported more than 5.8 million travelers, 2.5% more than the previous year.
Rodríguez Zamora also highlighted the growth of cultural tourism, with a 21% increase in museum visits, as well as greater influx to archaeological sites and a 47% increase in international passengers on the Maya Train.
Finally, she emphasized the importance of domestic tourism, noting that 8.7 million Mexicans traveled within the country during January, representing a 6% year-on-year increase and contributing to the rise in hotel occupancy.
The Secretary stated that 2026 will be “a historic year for tourism in Mexico,” driven by international events and the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will place the country at the center of global attention.
Source: informador
