Mexico’s Yucatán Leads the Way in Tourism Growth, Setting Records for Visitor Numbers in 2025

Published on September 9, 2025

Mexico’s Yucatán is leading the way in tourism growth, setting impressive records for visitor numbers in 2025. This surge is driven by the region’s unique blend of rich Maya heritage, colonial charm, and natural wonders, which continue to attract both international and domestic travelers. With a 20% increase in July visitors and a record-breaking 11% growth in overnight stays, Yucatán has become one of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations, drawing in travelers eager to explore its cultural sites and stunning landscapes.

Yucatán has quickly risen to become one of Mexico’s leading tourism hotspots, registering a remarkable 11% growth in overnight visitors during the first seven months of 2025 compared to the previous year. This surge reflects the region’s strong recovery and growing appeal to both international and domestic travelers.

In July 2025, the state welcomed over 246,000 visitors, representing a 20.2% increase compared to the same month in 2024. International tourism played a significant role in this growth, with 48,556 foreign visitors—a 25.1% rise from the previous year. Domestic tourism also experienced substantial growth, with 197,549 Mexican travelers visiting Yucatán, marking a 19% increase from July 2024.

Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, known for its colonial architecture and close proximity to major Maya archaeological sites, saw a boost in hotel occupancy, reaching 59.9% in July. This marked a 5.5% improvement from the same time in 2024, signaling a positive trend for the city’s hospitality sector.

A Unique Blend of Heritage and Natural Wonders

Yucatán’s tourism success is largely attributed to its exceptional blend of ancient Maya heritage and colonial history. The state is home to iconic attractions such as Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, along with numerous other archaeological sites, cenotes (natural sinkholes), and well-preserved colonial cities. These cultural treasures attract visitors seeking to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the region.

The state’s cultural heritage has also gained international recognition. UNESCO has teamed up with Mexico’s tourism ministry to promote sustainable, community-based tourism in Yucatán, ensuring that local Maya communities benefit from tourism while preserving the region’s heritage.

The launch of the “Yucatán: Mosaic of Experiences” catalogue at the 2025 Madrid International Tourism Fair further highlights the state’s appeal. This catalogue not only showcases the region’s historical and natural wonders but also emphasizes tourism initiatives that focus on respecting and preserving local customs and territories.

Yucatán and Mexico’s Tourism Recovery

Yucatán’s rapid growth is part of Mexico’s broader tourism revival following the pandemic. In 2024, Mexico welcomed approximately 45 million international visitors, making it the seventh most-visited country globally and the leading tourism destination in Latin America. However, there has been a noticeable shift toward cross-border tourism, with more U.S. travelers arriving by car or on foot. This form of tourism has surged by over 28% in recent months.

Although Mexico faces challenges such as a revised travel advisory due to the designation of several Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, Yucatán remains one of the safest states in the country. The U.S. Department of State has issued a “Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions” advisory for Yucatán, aligning it with the safety levels of many popular European destinations.

Economic Contributions and Investments

Tourism plays a critical role in Yucatán’s economy, creating jobs and contributing to foreign currency earnings. Mexico’s tourism industry accounted for 8.6% of the national GDP in 2023, with more than 4.8 million people employed in the sector as of mid-2024. In Yucatán, the surge in tourism has prompted increased investments in infrastructure to support the growing demand.

Recently, Mérida opened a new Tourist Information Center at Parque de la Plancha to further enhance the experience for international travelers. The region also benefits from its proximity to the Cancún International Airport in neighboring Quintana Roo and improved domestic air links through Mérida’s Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport.

Future Outlook

As global tourism continues its recovery, destinations like Yucatán that combine cultural preservation with sustainable development are seeing impressive long-term growth. Yucatán’s accessibility, rich cultural heritage, and robust safety profile position it to remain a top tourism destination in Mexico for years to come.

Mexico continues to attract millions of visitors, with over 7 million travelers from the United States in the first half of 2025 and nearly 1.7 million from Canada. Yucatán’s tourism sector is a significant part of this trend, and balancing growth with the preservation of its unique cultural and natural assets will be key to its ongoing success.

Mexico’s Yucatán is setting records for tourism growth in 2025, driven by its rich Maya heritage, colonial charm, and natural wonders, which continue to attract a surge in both international and domestic visitors.

The region’s partnership with UNESCO on sustainable tourism practices reflects its commitment to preserving its Maya heritage while fostering economic growth. Yucatán’s ability to maintain this balance will ensure it remains a vibrant, attractive destination for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and natural beauty.