Mexico City Unites With Guadalajara, Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca City, and Others in Leading Mexico Towards Becoming One of the Top Global Destinations Across the America This Year

Published on December 16, 2025

As Mexico’s tourism sector continues to thrive, destinations like Cancún, Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta are setting the stage for continued growth in 2025, despite challenges like global travel fluctuations and regional economic changes. Recent data has shed light on the performance of these iconic destinations, revealing a landscape of growth in arrivals, hotel stays, and cultural tourism.

However, the data also paints a picture of varying growth rates across the country, with Guadalajara, Oaxaca City, and San Miguel de Allende seeing less dramatic increases compared to the major tourism hubs. This shift reflects not only Mexico’s diverse tourism appeal but also the increasing importance of cultural tourism, with destinations like Oaxaca gaining traction thanks to their rich indigenous culture and colonial charm.

Cancún: A Global Favorite with Slight Declines in 2024

Cancún, located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, remains a global tourism leader, despite slight declines in international air arrivals in 2024. This iconic destination, famous for its white-sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to ancient Mayan ruins, still attracts millions of tourists each year.

2024 Data indicates a slight drop in arrivals compared to previous years, but it remains historically high. With millions of visitors annually, Cancún continues to lead Mexico in international travel, primarily driven by North American tourists. The 2025 forecast anticipates a return to growth, driven by the caribbean’s allure and the city’s expanding luxury resort offerings.

Quick Tips for Tourists to Cancún:

• Book early: Given the high demand, securing accommodations and flights in advance is key to finding the best deals.
• Explore beyond the beaches: Take time to visit the Chichén Itzá ruins or Cenotes for an authentic experience beyond the hotel zone.
• Use the bus network: Public transportation can be a cost-effective and convenient way to explore the area.

Mexico City: Major Growth Expected in Hotel Stays by 2030

Mexico City (CDMX) is another top destination that continues to grow, with the 2023 hotel guest figure at an impressive 14.4 million, combining domestic and international travelers. Projections for 2024 and 2025 show a continued upward trajectory, with the city aiming to reach 19.5 million hotel guests by 2030.

Mexico City is not just about its status as the capital but its rich cultural offerings like the Frida Kahlo Museum, the historic Zócalo, and the National Museum of Anthropology. With more international flights and improved transport infrastructure, the city continues to be a top choice for business travelers and tourists.

Quick Tips for Business Travelers to Mexico City:

• Plan for traffic: Mexico City is infamous for its congestion, so plan your commute times, particularly if you’re traveling for meetings.
• Use Metro: The Metro system is the fastest and most affordable way to get around the city.
• Book business accommodations: Choose hotels with easy access to the Polanco district or Reforma Avenue, which are key business hubs.

Puerto Vallarta: A Resilient Destination with Growth in 2023-2024

On the Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is seeing strong growth in air arrivals in 2023 and 2024. Known for its picturesque beaches, charming old town, and artistic scene along the iconic Malecón promenade, Puerto Vallarta continues to appeal to tourists from both domestic and international markets.

Though not as large as Cancún, Puerto Vallarta’s growth trend is remarkable, with the city now recognized for its vibrant arts and dining scene, alongside its stunning coastline. With the increase in eco-tourism and adventure travel, Puerto Vallarta’s diverse offerings continue to attract travelers looking for both relaxation and adventure.

Quick Tips for Tourists to Puerto Vallarta:

• Explore Old Town: Wander through the cobblestone streets and discover the art galleries and restaurants offering local flavors.
• Go beyond the beach: Consider whale watching tours or a hike to Yelapa for a truly memorable experience.
• Use local taxis: While Puerto Vallarta is walkable, taxis can get you to destinations on the outskirts like Mismaloya.

Guadalajara, Oaxaca City, and San Miguel de Allende: Less Crowded, But Gaining Ground in Tourism

While Guadalajara, Oaxaca City, and San Miguel de Allende are seeing more modest growth, these cities hold immense cultural value and are increasingly becoming favorites for cultural tourism.

Guadalajara, known as the birthplace of Mariachi music and Tequila, continues to have steady hotel guest arrivals. However, it remains lower on the scale compared to Mexico City and Cancún. The city offers a vibrant arts and music scene, making it ideal for travelers seeking a deep cultural experience.

Oaxaca City, with its indigenous roots, colonial charm, and renowned food scene, remains a gem for food lovers and those interested in craftsmanship. The Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán and the nearby artisan villages are key attractions.

San Miguel de Allende continues to charm with its Baroque architecture, thriving arts community, and beautiful surroundings in the central highlands.

Quick Tips for Tourists to Guadalajara, Oaxaca, and San Miguel de Allende:

• Guadalajara: Embrace the music scene—don’t miss a live Mariachi performance.
• Oaxaca: Experience the local cuisine—don’t leave without trying the famous mole and tlayudas.
• San Miguel de Allende: Visit the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel and enjoy the city’s artistic vibe.

The Global Impact of Mexico’s Tourism Growth

The tourism growth across these Mexican cities has global significance. For business travelers, destinations like Mexico City offer rich opportunities in finance, technology, and international trade, while cities like Guadalajara and Oaxaca open the door to deeper engagement with local cultures and historical industries.

For tourists, Mexico offers a diverse experience from beaches and historic cities to mountain landscapes and vibrant arts communities. Whether for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, Mexico’s tourism infrastructure continues to evolve, providing more accessibility and better experiences.

Conclusion: Mexico’s Tourism Landscape Is Flourishing

With Cancún, Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta leading the way, and cities like Guadalajara, Oaxaca City, and San Miguel de Allende growing in popularity, Mexico remains one of the top destinations for both business and tourism. Whether travelers are seeking beachfront resorts, historic cities, or cultural experiences, Mexico delivers a broad array of travel opportunities.

As tourism numbers continue to rise, Mexico is positioned to enhance its status as a global tourism leader, with sustainability and cultural engagement at the forefront of its tourism policies.

Key Takeaways:

• Cancún, Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta remain top destinations, with Cancún seeing slight declines in international arrivals.
• Oaxaca City, Guadalajara, and San Miguel de Allende are gaining traction as cultural tourism destinations.
• Business travelers should look to Mexico City and Guadalajara for growth opportunities in commerce and technology.
• Tourists visiting Oaxaca or San Miguel de Allende can enjoy cultural experiences, including traditional food, arts, and history.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated