GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Tourism In Mexico Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Tourism In Mexico Statistics

  • In 2019, 45 million international tourists visited Mexico.
  • Tourism-generated revenue amounted to almost 24.6 billion U.S. dollars in Mexico in 2019.
  • The number of domestic tourism trips in Mexico surged to around 264 million in 2019.
  • In 2019, Mexico was the 7th most visited country in the world.
  • Tourism contributes to approximately 8.7% of Mexico's GDP in 2019.
  • Due to COVID-19, International airport arrivals were down by 45.2% in 2020 in Mexico.
  • Cancun, the most popular tourist destination in Mexico, welcomed approximately 6.15 million international tourists in 2019.
  • The Tourism sector in Mexico registered 4.4% annualized growth in 2019.
  • Americans constitute about 60.7% of tourists in Mexico (2019).
  • The average expenditure per international tourist in Mexico was around 488 U.S. dollars in 2019.
  • More than 2.3 million people were employed in Mexico's tourism industry in 2019.
  • Tourism in Mexico's capital city, Mexico City, contributed to 2.7% of the city's GDP in 2019.
  • In 2018, Mexico was the most popular country for U.S. tourists traveling abroad.
  • In 2019, approximately 27% of the tourism-sector employees in Mexico were under 30 years old.
  • With 44 thousand rooms, the Mexican Caribbean (Quintana Roo) had the largest hotel offering in the country in 2019.
  • Mexico received 18.2 million tourists via air travel in 2018.
  • Mexico's “Magical Towns” Program has 132 towns that have generated tourist influx.
  • In 2019, Mexico had over 22,000 restaurants as part of its tourism infrastructure.
  • The Mexican city of Los Cabos has the highest average hotel rate, with tourists paying approximately $300 per night on average in 2019.

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Welcome to our deep dive into the world of Tourism in Mexico, a thriving industry characterized by an inviting explosion of culture, gastronomy, and historical allure. This blog post will peel back the vibrant layers of Mexico through a statistical lens. We’ll explore the ebb and flow of tourist arrivals, distinguish between peak and off-peak seasons, examine the economic impact, and even probe the tourism patterns in various destinations. Join us as we crunch the numbers and quantify the magnetic appeal of Mexico, revealing the undeniable significance of tourism to this fascinating country.

The Latest Tourism In Mexico Statistics Unveiled

In 2019, 45 million international tourists visited Mexico.

Positioning Mexico in the global tourism map, the riveting revelation that a whopping 45 million international tourists graced its lands in 2019 illustrates the magnetic draw of the country’s diverse offerings. This captivating figure, far from being a mere number, signifies the cultural allure, vibrant history, and idyllic landscapes compelling millions across borders. In the larger context of Mexico’s tourism narrative, it leverages an understanding of the nation’s buzzworthy popularity and contributes rich insights for a future propelled by tourism. This statistic does not just provide data; it underscores Mexico’s surging status as a world-class tourist destination.

Tourism-generated revenue amounted to almost 24.6 billion U.S. dollars in Mexico in 2019.

Resplendent in its positioning, the revelation that Mexico recorded a tourism-generated revenue nearing 24.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2019, coalesces as a testament to its global appeal as a preferred travel destination. Embedded in this statistic is a tale of thriving cultures, sun-drenched beaches, gastronomic affluence, and historical wonders, which together have shaped and propelled the prosperity of Mexico’s tourism industry. Within the framework of a blog post about Mexican Tourism Statistics, this statistic serves as an economic mirror, reflecting both the vitality of Mexico’s tourism sector and its far-reaching implications on the local economy, industry growth, and the country’s standing in the global tourism market.

The number of domestic tourism trips in Mexico surged to around 264 million in 2019.

Unveiling a dynamic facet of Mexico’s tourism landscape, the compelling surge to around 264 million domestic tourism trips in 2019 certainly marks an impactful testament to the flourishing travel culture within the country itself. Not only does it underscore the buoyant local enthusiasm for exploring Mexico’s myriad of attractions, but it also testifies to the robust health of the domestic tourism industry. This impressive figure further illuminates the significant role and potential this market segment holds in propelling the overall growth, vibrancy, and sustainability of the Mexican tourism sector as mapped out in these Tourism In Mexico Statistics.

In 2019, Mexico was the 7th most visited country in the world.

A vibrant showcase of this dynamic is the 2019 global ranking, where Mexico emerges as the 7th most visited country around the world. This ranking is more than just a number, it highlights the thriving tourism industry that contributes significantly to Mexico’s economy. It signifies the allure of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, incredible landscapes, gastronomic delights, and diverse tourist attractions that collectively pull in millions of international explorers annually. In the broader canvas of global tourism, it emphasizes Mexico’s role as a heavyweight player, underpinning its standing as a desired holiday destination. Therefore, understanding the trend behind this statistic is pivotal for anyone wishing to delve deeper into Mexico’s flourishing tourism economy and capability.

Tourism contributes to approximately 8.7% of Mexico’s GDP in 2019.

Weaving through the tapestry of Tourism in Mexico, one cannot ignore the vibrant economic thread that it stitches into the nation’s fabric. Vividly etched in the landscape of Mexico’s gross domestic product, tourism leaves its mark at an impressive 8.7% in 2019. This substantial chunk, resonating the power and potential of tourism, forms a critical narrative in understanding Mexico’s financial framework, demonstrating the industry’s pivotal role as a robust backbone supporting the country’s economy. The widespread influencing brushstrokes of tourism, spanning across numerous services and subsidiary sectors, thereby enhancing job creation and investment, make it an undeniable pillar of Mexico’s economic structure – an enlightening revelation evidenced in the numbers.

Due to COVID-19, International airport arrivals were down by 45.2% in 2020 in Mexico.

In the panorama of Mexico’s tourism scenario, this striking downturn of 45.2% in international airport arrivals in 2020 due to COVID-19 provides a clear snapshot of an unforeseen upheaval in the industry. It underlines the tremendous impact of global travel restrictions, indicating the swift turn of fortunes for a country where wandering crowds and the chiming currencies of foreign visitors are integral to its economic health. This percentage speaks volumes about the challenges faced by the tourism sector, amplifying the need for immediate response and innovative strategies for bounce-back, thereby punctuating the narrative of our blog post on Tourism in Mexico Statistics.

Cancun, the most popular tourist destination in Mexico, welcomed approximately 6.15 million international tourists in 2019.

A noteworthy splash of color on the vibrant canvas of Mexico’s tourism landscape is Cancun, the nation’s star attraction that drew an impressive crowd of approximately 6.15 million international tourists in 2019. This figure not just underscores Cancun’s magnetic appeal, but also acts as a barometer of the country’s potent allure in the global tourism market, being a significant contribution to the tourism sector’s overall revenue. In essence, the Cancun statistic serves as a diagnostic pulse on the health of Mexico’s tourism industry, providing critical insights into international travel behavior and strategic planning dynamics.

The Tourism sector in Mexico registered 4.4% annualized growth in 2019.

Highlighting the exceptional annualized growth of 4.4% in the tourism sector of Mexico for 2019, indicates a booming industry, enriching the Mexican economy while demonstrating its increasing popularity amongst tourists worldwide. In a blog post about Tourism in Mexico Statistics, this figure serves as an effective benchmark that captures and quantifies the continuous progression and allure of Mexico as a preferred travel destination. It effectively underscores the significance of tourism as an integral part of Mexico’s socioeconomic structure, exhibiting steady growth and enhancing the country’s international standing.

Americans constitute about 60.7% of tourists in Mexico (2019).

Anchoring itself as a pivotal statistic for understanding tourism dynamics in Mexico, the estimated 60.7% of American tourists visiting Mexico in 2019 speaks volumes about the influential role this North American demographic plays in Mexico’s industry. Highlighting not just the geographical convenience but a shared cultural allure, this figure showcases a robust connection between the two countries that potentially drives Mexico’s tourism revenue, industry decisions, and development strategies. This percentage, significantly more than half, could serve as both an advantage and a vulnerability in Mexico’s tourism landscape, underscoring the importance of maintaining a positive relationship and image with American visitors.

The average expenditure per international tourist in Mexico was around 488 U.S. dollars in 2019.

Highlighting the metric that the average expenditure per international tourist in Mexico stood around 488 U.S. dollars in 2019 throws light on the economic impact of tourism on Mexico’s economy. It indicates the potential revenue streams and earnings brought about by each international traveler gracing the country. This figure allows for a deeper insight into the spending habits and affordability along with countries of visitors, which in turn influences factors like tourist amenities, services, and infrastructure. Ultimately, such a figure is a key indicator in understanding both the economic vitality and the potential profitability of the tourism industry within Mexico.

More than 2.3 million people were employed in Mexico’s tourism industry in 2019.

Highlighting the employment of over 2.3 million individuals in Mexico’s tourism sector in 2019 paints a vibrant picture of the significance of this industry in the nation’s socio-economic fabric. The sheer magnitude of those numbers is a testament to the industry’s far-reaching tendrils, driving job creation and stagnating unemployment rates. It encompasses a wide variety of jobs, from hospitality to travel, showcasing the dynamism and resilience of the tourism industry. Thus, this figure is a clear indicator of tourism’s pivotal role in driving economic growth and affirms its status as a cornerstone of Mexico’s economic stability and prosperity.

Tourism in Mexico’s capital city, Mexico City, contributed to 2.7% of the city’s GDP in 2019.

The vibrant track of ‘Tourism in Mexico City’ leaving its footprint on the city’s economic canvas, marked with 2.7% contribution to the 2019’s GDP, becomes a notable point of interest in our discourse on Tourism In Mexico Statistics. It serves as a testament to the city’s allure, drawing international and domestic attention, and how its cultural richness, culinary diversity and historical depth have a tangible impact on its economy. This statistic paints a compelling portrait of the city’s touristic potential and its capability to stimulate economic growth, an aspect crucial while dissecting the dynamics of tourism in Mexico.

In 2018, Mexico was the most popular country for U.S. tourists traveling abroad.

Highlighting the captivating allure of Mexico, the data indicating its top rank as the preferred destination for American travelers in 2018 becomes a pivotal argument in our blog post about Tourism in Mexico Statistics. This underlines the burgeoning appeal and growth of Mexico’s tourism sector, serving as an important indicator of the country’s popularity and its various attractive tourism offerings. This insight isn’t just a mere number; it’s a testament to the vibrant culture, rich history, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes of Mexico, magnetizing an impressive swarm of American jet-setters.

In 2019, approximately 27% of the tourism-sector employees in Mexico were under 30 years old.

Delving into the age demographics of tourism-sector employees, it’s intriguing to note that in 2019, a significant proportion- roughly 27%, were under the age of 30 in Mexico. This underlines the capacity of the tourism sector to offer employment opportunities to younger generations, thereby influencing the labor market dynamics and demographic trends in the country. Contemplating the converse, it shows that the future of the Mexican tourism industry is indeed influenced by younger generations, as they bring in fresh ideas, creativity and tech-savviness, whilst fostering sustainable tourism development in Mexico. For this reason, understanding the age distribution within this sector provides vital information to stakeholders for planning and decision-making processes.

With 44 thousand rooms, the Mexican Caribbean (Quintana Roo) had the largest hotel offering in the country in 2019.

Highlighting the enormity of the hotel offerings, Quintana Roo’s command of a whopping 44 thousand rooms in 2019 underscores its supremacy in Mexico’s tourism industry. This figure not only reflects the unparalleled touristic appeal of the Mexican Caribbean but can be seen as a direct reflection of the massive influx of travelers it drew – painting the tapestry of the thriving tourism landscape in the region. As huge as this number is, it also serves as an indicator of the economic vitality spurred by tourism in the area, extending the context of this statistic from mere affordability to implications for Mexico’s broader economy and tourism strategy.

Mexico received 18.2 million tourists via air travel in 2018.

Embarking on a trip to decipher the vitality of the Aero-Tourism sector in Mexico, the figure of 18.2 million airway tourists recorded in 2018 threads a compelling narrative. The figure not only exemplifies the vigorous growth and vast appeal of Mexico as a global destination but also sheds light on the assertive role the aviation industry plays in accommodating international travelers. By underscoring the significance of Mexico’s magnetic draw, the statistic further reinforces Mexico’s economic narrative, where tourism serves as a substantial pillar. Powerfully projected through this statistic, the strength and allure of Mexico’s tourism industry are more than evident, nurturing the economy and enhancing its global status.

Mexico’s “Magical Towns” Program has 132 towns that have generated tourist influx.

In the realm of Mexican tourism, the “Magical Towns” Program shines as a beacon of discoverability and economic growth. The sheer number of 132 magical towns vividly reveals the richness and diversity of cultural and natural gems Mexico has to offer, not merely in its famous cities but in lesser-known locales. By fueling tourist influx, these towns undoubtedly contribute significantly to Mexico’s tourism industry, consequently stimulating local economies and creating invaluable growth opportunities. Hence, in a statistical panorama of Mexican tourism, these captivating towns form a crucial part of the narrative, underscoring the expansive allure and reach of Mexican touristry.

In 2019, Mexico had over 22,000 restaurants as part of its tourism infrastructure.

Highlighting the fact that Mexico hosted over 22,000 restaurants in 2019 serves as a captivating proof of the nation’s booming tourism sector. This remarkable number not only underlines the vibrancy and allure of its culinary scene, but also indicates a strong underlying infrastructure capable of supporting mass tourism. In a blog post about Mexico’s tourism statistics, this underscore the country’s preparedness to cater to the diverse gastronomic tastes of millions of tourists, solidifying its position as a top global destination. Consequently, the enticing aroma of Mexican cuisine emanating from these thousands of eateries is a significant part of the allure that continues to draw holidaymakers from all over the world year after year.

The Mexican city of Los Cabos has the highest average hotel rate, with tourists paying approximately $300 per night on average in 2019.

Highlighting Los Cabos as the Mexican city with the highest average hotel rate, with a going rate of approximately $300 per night in 2019, provides an intriguingly compelling layer to the economic narrative of Mexican tourism. Evidently, this fact illustrates the power of the luxury tourism market within Mexico, setting a benchmark for high-end tourism as it attracts affluent travelers seeking lavish accommodations. This analysis brings a broader perspective on the spectrum of tourism experiences in Mexico, offering insight into market segmentation, affordability trends, and the overall economic ramifications of the country’s tourism industry.

Conclusion

The data and statistics revolving around tourism in Mexico clearly illustrate its substantial impact on the country’s economy. Mexico has continually experienced an influx of tourists from all over the world, rendering it a prime tourist destination. The numbers not only signify the astounding appeal and rich cultural heritage of Mexico but also demonstrate the vast potential for growth and development in its tourism sector. All these factors highlight the significant role of governmental and private sector initiatives in enhancing infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism and boosting overall visitor experience.

References

0. – https://www.www.wttc.org

1. – https://www.www.cepal.org

2. – https://www.www.inegi.org.mx

3. – https://www.www.statista.com

4. – https://www.datatur.sectur.gob.mx

5. – https://www.mexicanroutes.com

6. – https://www.data.consejeria.cdmx.gob.mx

7. – https://www.www.visitmexico.com

FAQs

What were the tourist arrivals to Mexico in 2019?

In 2019, Mexico welcomed a record-breaking 45 million international tourists.

Has tourism in Mexico been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, like many countries worldwide, Mexico has also experienced a significant decline in tourist arrivals due to travel restrictions implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The precise decline varies from report to report, but it's generally understood to be substantial.

What is the contribution of tourism to Mexico's GDP?

As per the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism in Mexico contributed around 17-18% to the national GDP in 2019, before the pandemic.

Which are the most visited destinations in Mexico?

Mexico has numerous popular tourist destinations, with Cancun, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos being among the most frequented.

How does tourism affect employment in Mexico?

According to the WTTC, the tourism sector provided more than 4 million jobs directly in 2019, representing about 8.5% of total employment in Mexico. Including jobs indirectly supported by the tourism sector, the total rises to about 18% of Mexico's employment.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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