GITNUXREPORT 2025

Mexico Tourism Statistics

Mexico’s tourism attracted 40 million visitors, generating $25 billion revenue in 2022.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Tourism revenue in Mexico reached around $25 billion USD in 2022

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The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 59% decrease in international tourist arrivals in Mexico in 2020

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Domestic tourism in Mexico accounts for over 85% of total tourism expenditure

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Tourism directly and indirectly accounts for about 8% of Mexico’s GDP

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In 2022, Mexico's tourism sector created around 4 million jobs, both directly and indirectly

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The average tourist expenditure in Mexico is approximately $650 USD per trip

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Tourism spending in Mexico increased by 15% in 2022 compared to 2021, reaching approximately $24 billion USD

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Mexico has over 350,000 hospitality workers in the tourism sector, making it one of the largest employment sectors in the country

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The gastronomy tourism sector in Mexico generates over $3 billion USD annually, attracting food lovers worldwide

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Mexico's private tourism industry has seen an annual growth rate of 10% over the past five years, indicating increasing investment and development

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Mexico’s cultural festivals, including Dia de los Muertos and Guelaguetza, attract over 2 million tourists annually, boosting local economies

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The growth of Mexico's cruise tourism is projected to reach a 10% annually through 2027, with new cruise ports being developed

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In 2022, Mexico's wellness tourism sector, including spas and medical tourism, contributed over $1.5 billion USD to the economy

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The use of digital platforms for Mexico tourism marketing increased by 50% during 2020-2022, adapting to pandemic restrictions

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The Mexico City tourism sector experienced a 12% growth in overnight stays from 2020 to 2022, recovering steadily from the COVID-19 downturn

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Over 1,500 tour operators are registered in Mexico, offering a wide array of travel experiences domestically and abroad

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The number of hotel rooms in Mexico increased by 12% between 2019 and 2022, reaching approximately 600,000 rooms

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More than 600 hotel projects are currently under development in Mexico as of 2023, representing significant expansion in the hospitality sector

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During peak seasons, the occupancy rate in Mexican hotels can reach up to 90%, especially in tourist hot spots like Cancun and Playa del Carmen

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Mexico’s luxury tourism segment has grown by 8% annually over the past five years, with major resorts offering high-end accommodations and services

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The Mexican government has invested over $2 billion USD in tourism infrastructure projects from 2018 to 2022 to modernize airports, roads, and tourist facilities

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The hotel occupancy rate in Mexico’s major tourism hubs averaged 75% in 2022, with some areas reaching up to 85%, indicating strong recovery post-pandemic

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The number of eco-tourism destinations in Mexico has grown by 20% since 2018, attracting environmentally conscious travelers

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Mexico’s ecotourism sector has grown by an average of 12% annually since 2015, driven by national parks and conservation efforts

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Mexico’s ecotourism and sustainable tourism initiatives have received over $500 million USD in private investments since 2015, promoting conservation and local community benefits

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Mexico attracted approximately 40 million international tourists in 2022

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The Riviera Maya is among the top tourist destinations in Mexico with over 5 million visitors annually

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Mexico is the world’s sixth most visited country, with France, Spain, and the United States in the top three

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Cancun received approximately 7 million visitors in 2022

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Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage sites attract about 10 million tourists annually

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Mexico has over 34 UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it one of the countries with the most designated sites

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The port of Veracruz is a major cruise ship destination, hosting approximately 250 ships annually

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Cancun ranked among the top 10 most visited cities in Latin America in 2022

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The number of international air arrivals to Mexico increased by 35% from 2021 to 2022, reaching approximately 25 million

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Mexico's archaeological sites, including Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan, are visited by over 4 million tourists annually

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Mexico’s beach destinations account for roughly 65% of all international visitors, with the Caribbean coast and Pacific coast being the most popular

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The highest number of international cruise arrivals to Mexico are recorded in the port of Cozumel, with over 400 ships visiting annually

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The top 5 marine protected areas in Mexico for tourism include Cabo Pulmo, Isla Contoy, and the Revillagigedo Archipelago, attracting eco-tourists

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Mexico’s scenic mountain regions, including Sierra Madre and the Mexican Plateau, have seen a 30% rise in adventure tourism activities since 2018

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The number of visitors to Mexico’s colonial cities such as Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende increased by approximately 20% between 2020 and 2022

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The number of tourists visiting Mexico during the winter holiday season (December-January) increases by approximately 25% compared to the rest of the year, making it a peak season for travel

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Mexico's adventure tourism, including hiking, biking, and zip-lining, grew by 20% annually between 2017 and 2022, driven by new destinations and improved infrastructure

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Mexico has seen a 15% increase in international visitors attending cultural events and festivals since 2019, showcasing growing interest in its heritage

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The number of international visitors attending Mexico’s art fairs and cultural exhibitions increased by 18% between 2019 and 2022, reflecting a rising cultural interest

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Mexico’s scenic coastal drives, including the Pacific coast route, are increasingly popular, with a 30% rise in tourist self-driving trips since 2018

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Mexico offers more than 25 UNESCO World Heritage gastronomy sites promoting traditional Mexican cuisine

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The average length of stay for international tourists in Mexico is 7 days

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Over 70% of international tourists visiting Mexico come from the United States

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Mexico’s top five countries of origin for international tourists are the United States, Canada, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile

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Approximately 80% of international tourists in Mexico are leisure travelers, with the remaining 20% visiting for business or other reasons

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The most common languages spoken by international tourists in Mexico are English, Spanish, and French, with English being the most dominant

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The number of international travelers arriving by train in Mexico has increased by 15% since 2019, with connections primarily to the U.S. and Central America

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Key Highlights

Mexico attracted approximately 40 million international tourists in 2022
Tourism revenue in Mexico reached around $25 billion USD in 2022
The Riviera Maya is among the top tourist destinations in Mexico with over 5 million visitors annually
Mexico is the world’s sixth most visited country, with France, Spain, and the United States in the top three
Cancun received approximately 7 million visitors in 2022
Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage sites attract about 10 million tourists annually
Mexico has over 34 UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it one of the countries with the most designated sites
The number of hotel rooms in Mexico increased by 12% between 2019 and 2022, reaching approximately 600,000 rooms
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 59% decrease in international tourist arrivals in Mexico in 2020
Domestic tourism in Mexico accounts for over 85% of total tourism expenditure
The average length of stay for international tourists in Mexico is 7 days
Over 70% of international tourists visiting Mexico come from the United States
The port of Veracruz is a major cruise ship destination, hosting approximately 250 ships annually

With over 40 million international tourists visiting in 2022 and tourism revenues soaring to around $25 billion USD, Mexico’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and world-class destinations continue to position it as one of the world’s most sought-after travel hotspots.

Economic Impact and Industry Development

Tourism revenue in Mexico reached around $25 billion USD in 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 59% decrease in international tourist arrivals in Mexico in 2020
Domestic tourism in Mexico accounts for over 85% of total tourism expenditure
Tourism directly and indirectly accounts for about 8% of Mexico’s GDP
In 2022, Mexico's tourism sector created around 4 million jobs, both directly and indirectly
The average tourist expenditure in Mexico is approximately $650 USD per trip
Tourism spending in Mexico increased by 15% in 2022 compared to 2021, reaching approximately $24 billion USD
Mexico has over 350,000 hospitality workers in the tourism sector, making it one of the largest employment sectors in the country
The gastronomy tourism sector in Mexico generates over $3 billion USD annually, attracting food lovers worldwide
Mexico's private tourism industry has seen an annual growth rate of 10% over the past five years, indicating increasing investment and development
Mexico’s cultural festivals, including Dia de los Muertos and Guelaguetza, attract over 2 million tourists annually, boosting local economies
The growth of Mexico's cruise tourism is projected to reach a 10% annually through 2027, with new cruise ports being developed
In 2022, Mexico's wellness tourism sector, including spas and medical tourism, contributed over $1.5 billion USD to the economy
The use of digital platforms for Mexico tourism marketing increased by 50% during 2020-2022, adapting to pandemic restrictions
The Mexico City tourism sector experienced a 12% growth in overnight stays from 2020 to 2022, recovering steadily from the COVID-19 downturn

Economic Impact and Industry Development Interpretation

Despite a 59% plunge during the pandemic, Mexico's resilient tourism sector, now generating $25 billion and creating 4 million jobs, demonstrates that beneath the tequila and tacos lies an economic powerhouse steadily rebounding through vibrant cultural festivals, culinary allure, and digital innovation.

Industry Development

Over 1,500 tour operators are registered in Mexico, offering a wide array of travel experiences domestically and abroad

Industry Development Interpretation

With over 1,500 registered tour operators crafting a diverse mosaic of experiences both within and beyond Mexico’s borders, the nation's tourism industry is as vibrant and varied as its landscapes, signaling a robust sector eager to welcome the world—and perhaps keep a few secrets along the way.

Infrastructure, Accommodation, and Services

The number of hotel rooms in Mexico increased by 12% between 2019 and 2022, reaching approximately 600,000 rooms
More than 600 hotel projects are currently under development in Mexico as of 2023, representing significant expansion in the hospitality sector
During peak seasons, the occupancy rate in Mexican hotels can reach up to 90%, especially in tourist hot spots like Cancun and Playa del Carmen
Mexico’s luxury tourism segment has grown by 8% annually over the past five years, with major resorts offering high-end accommodations and services
The Mexican government has invested over $2 billion USD in tourism infrastructure projects from 2018 to 2022 to modernize airports, roads, and tourist facilities
The hotel occupancy rate in Mexico’s major tourism hubs averaged 75% in 2022, with some areas reaching up to 85%, indicating strong recovery post-pandemic

Infrastructure, Accommodation, and Services Interpretation

With a 12% boost in hotel rooms, over 600 projects underway, and occupancy rates soaring to 90% in peak seasons, Mexico's booming tourism sector—supported by $2 billion in infrastructure investments and an 8% annual rise in luxury offerings—clearly signals the nation's confident stride toward becoming a perennial favorite for travelers worldwide.

Sustainable and Eco-Tourism Initiatives

The number of eco-tourism destinations in Mexico has grown by 20% since 2018, attracting environmentally conscious travelers
Mexico’s ecotourism sector has grown by an average of 12% annually since 2015, driven by national parks and conservation efforts
Mexico’s ecotourism and sustainable tourism initiatives have received over $500 million USD in private investments since 2015, promoting conservation and local community benefits

Sustainable and Eco-Tourism Initiatives Interpretation

Mexico’s booming ecotourism sector—expanding by 20% in destinations since 2018, growing annually at 12%, and attracting over half a billion dollars in private investment since 2015—proves that being green is not only good for the planet but also great for business.

Tourism Popular Destinations and Attractions

Mexico attracted approximately 40 million international tourists in 2022
The Riviera Maya is among the top tourist destinations in Mexico with over 5 million visitors annually
Mexico is the world’s sixth most visited country, with France, Spain, and the United States in the top three
Cancun received approximately 7 million visitors in 2022
Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage sites attract about 10 million tourists annually
Mexico has over 34 UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it one of the countries with the most designated sites
The port of Veracruz is a major cruise ship destination, hosting approximately 250 ships annually
Cancun ranked among the top 10 most visited cities in Latin America in 2022
The number of international air arrivals to Mexico increased by 35% from 2021 to 2022, reaching approximately 25 million
Mexico's archaeological sites, including Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan, are visited by over 4 million tourists annually
Mexico’s beach destinations account for roughly 65% of all international visitors, with the Caribbean coast and Pacific coast being the most popular
The highest number of international cruise arrivals to Mexico are recorded in the port of Cozumel, with over 400 ships visiting annually
The top 5 marine protected areas in Mexico for tourism include Cabo Pulmo, Isla Contoy, and the Revillagigedo Archipelago, attracting eco-tourists
Mexico’s scenic mountain regions, including Sierra Madre and the Mexican Plateau, have seen a 30% rise in adventure tourism activities since 2018
The number of visitors to Mexico’s colonial cities such as Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende increased by approximately 20% between 2020 and 2022
The number of tourists visiting Mexico during the winter holiday season (December-January) increases by approximately 25% compared to the rest of the year, making it a peak season for travel
Mexico's adventure tourism, including hiking, biking, and zip-lining, grew by 20% annually between 2017 and 2022, driven by new destinations and improved infrastructure
Mexico has seen a 15% increase in international visitors attending cultural events and festivals since 2019, showcasing growing interest in its heritage
The number of international visitors attending Mexico’s art fairs and cultural exhibitions increased by 18% between 2019 and 2022, reflecting a rising cultural interest
Mexico’s scenic coastal drives, including the Pacific coast route, are increasingly popular, with a 30% rise in tourist self-driving trips since 2018

Tourism Popular Destinations and Attractions Interpretation

With over 40 million international visitors in 2022—many lured by pristine beaches, UNESCO sites, and vibrant cultural festivals—Mexico convincingly proves that beneath its spicy cuisine and colorful mariachi is a tourism powerhouse where adventure, heritage, and relaxation continue to draw global crowds in record numbers.

Tourism, Popular Destinations and Attractions

Mexico offers more than 25 UNESCO World Heritage gastronomy sites promoting traditional Mexican cuisine

Tourism, Popular Destinations and Attractions Interpretation

Mexico's culinary heritage shines brightly with over 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites dedicated to traditional gastronomy, serving up a savory testament to its rich cultural tapestry—proof that a nation's flavor often tells its most compelling story.

Visitor Demographics and Travel Behavior

The average length of stay for international tourists in Mexico is 7 days
Over 70% of international tourists visiting Mexico come from the United States
Mexico’s top five countries of origin for international tourists are the United States, Canada, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile
Approximately 80% of international tourists in Mexico are leisure travelers, with the remaining 20% visiting for business or other reasons
The most common languages spoken by international tourists in Mexico are English, Spanish, and French, with English being the most dominant
The number of international travelers arriving by train in Mexico has increased by 15% since 2019, with connections primarily to the U.S. and Central America

Visitor Demographics and Travel Behavior Interpretation

With the typical week-long sojourn predominantly driven by U.S. visitors whose language, leisure, and travel patterns increasingly favor Mexico’s rails and resorts, the country’s status as a top-tier global hotspot for leisure and transit continues to grow—proof that a well-placed margarita and a train ticket can do more for tourism than just a good campaign.