The Great Mexican Migration: Air Traveler Arrivals Soar to 16.5 Million in 2025, Driven by US, Canadian, and UK Tourists

Published on December 10, 2025

In a global travel market that is still navigating turbulence and striving for stability, Mexico stands out as a beacon of unstoppable growth. Between January and October 2025, the nation recorded an extraordinary feat: 16,571,000 international tourists arrived by air. This isn’t just a recovery story; it’s a narrative of dominance, with Mexico not only marking steady year-over-year growth but also dramatically exceeding its pre-pandemic numbers from 2019.

This remarkable surge, which saw nearly 100,000 more tourists compared to the same period in the previous year and a substantial 10.2% increase over 2019, firmly establishes Mexico as a reliable, highly-desired destination on the world stage. As Secretary of Tourism Josefina Rodríguez Zamora affirmed, these results underscore that Mexico is a destination “full of hospitality, infrastructure and experiences that inspire peace of mind and enjoyment.”

The North American Engine and the British Anchor

The sheer volume of air travelers is driven primarily by its neighbours to the north, but a significant transatlantic partner is holding a strong third place.

The United States remains Mexico’s most vital source of tourism, with 11.157 million visitors arriving during the first ten months of 2025. This figure is not only 62,000 higher than the 2024 period but represents a stunning 26.7% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This demonstrates that the enduring bond between the two countries, facilitated by seamless air travel, positions Mexico as the go-to destination for American families, retirees, and remote workers alike.

Following closely is Canada, which contributed 2,079,000 visitors. Canadian tourism has shown impressive momentum, climbing 11.4% compared to the previous year and standing 18.1% higher than its 2019 figures. The robust growth from both the US and Canada highlights the effective strategies used by Mexico to cater to the North American market, offering everything from the vibrant cultural immersion of Mexico City to the all-inclusive luxury of the Mayan Riviera.

Holding a strong third position, with notable growth, is the United Kingdom. With 372,061 travelers arriving, the UK market saw a respectable 3.2% increase year-over-year. This consistent growth, despite the longer journey and current economic pressures in Europe, underscores the deep and lasting appeal of Mexican culture, history, and beaches to British holidaymakers. The UK’s position as the leading non-North American source market speaks volumes about Mexico’s successful efforts to maintain its global relevance and accessibility.

Emerging Markets Fueling Future Growth

Mexico’s success is not a one-story narrative; it’s a tapestry woven with threads of growth from across the globe. Beyond the North American powerhouses, the nation is seeing significant upticks from other international markets, confirming its broad, diverse appeal:

• Italy: Visitor arrivals rose by an impressive 14.8%.
• Argentina: Arrivals increased by 14.3%.
• South Korea: Saw an 11.6% rise in visitors.
• China: Registered a strong 10.6% growth.

Combined, arrivals from these and other international markets contributed 2.963 million visitors, demonstrating a powerful diversification that helps stabilize and strengthen the overall tourism sector. This diversification is crucial, ensuring that Mexico’s tourism economy isn’t overly reliant on any single region, positioning it for resilient, sustained growth in the years to come.

A Destination for Every Generation

Mexico’s magnetic attraction spans all generations, confirming that its offering is rich and varied enough to appeal to every type of traveller. The tourism statistics reveal a healthy demographic mix:

• Ages 30–44: The largest segment, accounting for 29.2% of visitors—a demographic often seeking vibrant experiences, cultural exploration, and soft adventure.
• Ages 45–59: Represented 24% of travellers, suggesting this group values the convenience, quality accommodation, and cultural depth Mexico provides.
• Ages 60 and older: A significant 16.9% of visitors, underscoring the appeal of secure, well-managed destinations for older adults seeking both relaxation and rich historical experiences.
• Ages 16–29: Made up 18.4% of arrivals, highlighting the appeal to younger backpackers and those seeking lively nightlife and adventure.
• Children and adolescents: Accounted for 11.5% of travelers, reinforcing Mexico’s popularity as an attractive option for family travel.

This diversity is the strongest testimony to the country’s comprehensive appeal. Whether visitors are seeking the spiritual energy of Mayan ruins , the culinary delights of Oaxaca, the pristine beaches of the Pacific coast, or the bustling modernity of its major cities, Mexico truly offers something for everyone.

The message from Secretary Rodríguez Zamora is clear: the focus remains on “strengthening policies that support the arrival of more tourists to destinations across the country, because Mexico has it all: landscapes, diverse activities and enormous potential for growth.” Ultimately, this historic tourism boom is more than just a metric of economic success; it is a powerful tool creating opportunities, identity, and shared prosperity for the Mexican people, ensuring that the country’s warmth and cultural richness continue to welcome the world.