Mexico’s Tourism Hits Record $32.96 Billion in 2024 Despite Lack of Federal Promotion

Mexico’s tourism sector achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024, generating a record $32.96 billion in foreign exchange earnings, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi).

This figure marks a 7.4% increase compared to the previous year, underscoring the resilience of the industry despite the absence of a federal international promotion strategy.

The country welcomed 45.04 million international tourists in 2024, also reflecting a 7.4% annual growth. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Mexico surpassed its pre-pandemic tourist arrivals from 2019 by 0.3%.

This recovery includes both long-stay international tourists and those visiting border regions. Federal Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodríguez shared her satisfaction with these results during a visit to Tabasco.

In a video statement, she highlighted the sector’s strong performance, particularly during her tenure in the final three months of 2024. “We exceeded expectations: 45 million tourists, a 7% increase compared to 2023, and nearly an 8% rise in economic impact,” Rodríguez stated.

The surge in international arrivals was driven by a strong December, which marked the start of the winter season for visitors from key markets like the United States and Canada.

Mexico’s Tourism Growth in December 2024

In December alone, Mexico received over nine million visitors, a 14.7% increase compared to December 2023. Of these, 4.79 million were international tourists who stayed overnight, representing a 4.3% year-over-year rise.

Foreign visitor spending also saw substantial growth in December 2024. Total revenue reached $3.70 billion, up 9% from the same month in 2023. Spending by international tourists accounted for $3.42 billion of this total.

Long-stay visitors contributed 94.8%, while border tourists made up the remaining 5.2%. These figures highlight Mexico’s ability to attract international travelers despite challenges such as limited federal promotional efforts.

The tourism sector’s recovery reflects its importance to the national economy. It also reinforces its potential for sustained growth in the coming years.