Mexico Surpasses US, Canada, Argentina, China, South Korea, United Kingdom, and More in Global Tourism in 2025, Achieving Unmatched Revenue Growth

Published on February 27, 2026

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In 2025, Mexico outpaced global tourism giants like the US, Canada, Argentina, China, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, solidifying its position as a top global destination. With 47.8 million international tourists and a record-breaking tourism revenue of US$34.99 billion, Mexico’s growth was driven by strong post-pandemic recovery, strategic investments in infrastructure, and broadening appeal across diverse international markets. This remarkable surge underscores Mexico’s growing influence on the global tourism stage, with its economic impact and popularity set to continue expanding as it targets becoming the fifth most-visited country by 2030.

The country saw a 6% rise in international tourists, bringing total visitors to 98.2 million, while revenue grew by 6.2%. Mexico’s upward trajectory positions it for continued growth, marking it as a key player in the global tourism industry.

Tourism Growth Outpaces Global Trends

Global tourism saw a 4% increase in international travelers in 2025, with 1.52 billion individuals crossing borders. Mexico’s growth rate outpaced this global average, along with the performance within the Americas. While tourism in the Americas only grew by 1%, Mexico achieved a higher growth trajectory. Notably, other regions also saw positive growth, with Europe increasing by 4%, Africa expanding by 8%, and Asia-Pacific rising by 6%. The Middle East recorded a 3% increase, and Mexico’s strong performance has helped position it ahead of pre-pandemic levels, being 6% above figures recorded in 2019.

Strong Regional Performance

Mexico’s growth in international tourism is particularly noteworthy as it surpasses several key global tourism markets. In terms of specific countries, Canada saw an 11% rise in visitors, while Argentina experienced a 10.8% increase. China also saw a 8% growth, and South Korea grew by 6.8%. The United Kingdom recorded a 4.8% rise, and Spain grew by 4.2%. While the United States market remained at similar levels to 2024, Mexico’s visitor numbers have continued to climb, cementing its place as a major international destination.

Cruise and Aviation Sectors Thrive

The cruise sector also saw robust growth, with 11.4 million passengers arriving at Mexican ports in 2025, an increase of 6%. This segment generated US$966 million in revenue, a notable 13.9% rise. The aviation industry contributed to Mexico’s growth as well, with 64 million domestic passengers, a 3.3% increase, and 58.91 million international passengers, a 1.5% rise. In total, 191.2 million passengers moved through 78 airports in Mexico, marking an overall increase of 2.6%.

Investment in Tourism Infrastructure

As Mexico’s tourism numbers surge, the country is making substantial investments to support long-term growth. In January 2026, the tourism investment pipeline was valued at US$36.7 billion, covering around 700 projects across 30 states. This pipeline represents an ambitious effort to support both large-scale projects and regional development. The tourism investment saw a significant uptick, with the number of projects increasing by 48% since September 2025 and total investment growing by 67%. While states like Nayarit, Quintana Roo, and Jalisco attract the majority of investment, the strategy is designed to spread growth more evenly across the country.

Infrastructure Upgrades to Support Growing Demand

Infrastructure enhancements are a key part of Mexico’s strategy to accommodate the growing influx of tourists. Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is undergoing extensive renovations, with 35% of the MX$8.5 billion modernization project already completed by 2025. These renovations are crucial as the country prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Upgrades include the reopening of remodeled international areas in Terminal 1 and baggage claim areas in Terminal 2, aimed at improving operational efficiency and passenger mobility.

Financial Momentum and New Credit Opportunities for Hotels

Further financial momentum is being seen in the hotel sector, where Banco Sabadell identified more than US$2 billion in new credit opportunities for the hotel industry. This influx of capital is focused on addressing infrastructure challenges in key tourism hubs such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. As international demand grows, it is essential that these cities enhance their hotel capacities and overall infrastructure. The institutionalization of the sector is seen as a key opportunity for sustainable and scalable growth, especially with the integration of institutional capital into these projects.

In 2025, Mexico surpassed global tourism giants like the US, Canada, Argentina, China, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, achieving record-breaking revenue of US$34.99 billion. This growth is driven by strategic investments, a strong recovery from the pandemic, and increasing global appeal.

In conclusion, Mexico’s exceptional growth in 2025 marks a pivotal moment in its tourism sector, driven by strategic investments, infrastructure improvements, and an expanding global appeal. Surpassing major global markets in both visitor numbers and revenue, the country is poised to continue its upward trajectory. With a goal to become the fifth most-visited country by 2030, Mexico’s remarkable recovery and strong performance highlight its growing influence on the global tourism stage, making it a key destination for international travelers and a significant contributor to the global tourism economy.