Mexico Ranks Among Top Global Destinations as Tourism Soars

Written By: Sunil Soren Majhi

Sunil Soren Majhi

I newly began my journey in journalism, focusing on the dynamic world of travel and tourism. As part of Travel and Tour World, I create engaging stories that explore industry trends, showcase impactful developments, and connect readers with the evolving landscape of global travel. My work reflects a passion for discovery, innovation, and meaningful storytelling

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March 2, 2025 6:04 AM

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Mexico has solidified its position as one of the world’s top 10 tourist destinations, as per official data from the Secretariat of Tourism (Sectur). This recognition is driven by substantial growth across key tourism indicators, including foreign direct investment (FDI), visitor spending, and international travel revenue.

The country’s tourism industry has witnessed remarkable expansion in recent years, largely attributed to Mexico’s decision to keep its borders open during the pandemic—an approach that set it apart from many other nations. This policy allowed for a steady influx of visitors, reinforcing its standing among the most-visited destinations worldwide.

Foreign direct investment remains a vital measure of tourism sector growth. In 2018, as the previous administration came to an end, FDI in tourism was recorded at $1.325 billion—a 25% decline from the $1.784 billion reported in 2017.

However, under the current administration, FDI in tourism initially saw a downturn, falling to $1.242 billion in 2019 and dropping further to $1.206 billion in 2020 due to uncertainties brought on by the pandemic. A strong recovery followed in 2021, as Mexico’s open-border policy encouraged new investments, pushing FDI to $2.156 billion. This upward trajectory continued, peaking at a record $4.477 billion in 2022, before stabilizing at $2.751 billion in 2023.

Tourism’s contribution to total foreign investment also rose significantly, increasing from 3.9% in 2018 to 7.6% by the close of 2023, highlighting its growing role in the national economy.

Another essential indicator of the sector’s progress is foreign exchange earnings from international visitors. In 2018, tourism revenue stood at $22.509 billion, rising to $24.562 billion in 2019. However, the pandemic led to a steep decline, with earnings plunging to $11.024 billion in 2020 before beginning a steady recovery.

Tourism revenue rebounded strongly in subsequent years, reaching $19.795 billion in 2021, surging to $28.016 billion in 2022, and ultimately climbing to $30.809 billion in 2023—surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Despite this robust performance, Mexico’s tourism sector still faces challenges. Maribel Rodríguez, Vice President of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), stressed the need for the next administration to reinstate tourism promotion programs, particularly after the dissolution of the Mexican Tourism Promotion Council (CPTM).

She also highlighted the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships, noting that Mexico’s tourism appeal extends far beyond the United States to a global market. Rodríguez urged proactive measures to maintain Mexico’s competitiveness and ensure it remains a leading destination amid rising international competition.