Mexico’s tourism sector is experiencing a robust resurgence, with international visitor numbers climbing by 6.24% in the first six months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. According to data released by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), the country welcomed 21.8 million international tourists between January and June, marking a significant recovery from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This upward trend is mirrored in tourism spending, which increased by 7.7% to reach a substantial US$17.5 billion. Notably, this figure surpasses pre-pandemic levels by a considerable 34.6%, highlighting the sector’s resilience and growth.
While the total number of international visitors is still marginally below the pre-pandemic peak of 22 million in the first half of 2019, the broader tourism landscape has exceeded pre-pandemic benchmarks. Air travel statistics offer compelling evidence of this growth. Between January and November 2023, Mexico recorded nearly 20% more air passengers compared to 2019. This momentum has carried over into 2024, with 11.9 million travelers arriving by air in the first six months, representing a 4.9% increase over the previous year and a substantial 18.6% surge compared to the same period in 2019.
The United States, Canada, and Colombia remain Mexico’s top three tourism markets, collectively accounting for 79.5% of international arrivals. The U.S. led the way with 7.61 million visitors, followed by Canada with 1.62 million, and Colombia with 312,960. It’s worth noting that while the overall number of visitors from other countries declined by 1.8% compared to the first half of 2023, they still contributed significantly to the overall tourism figures.
Cancun International Airport emerged as the busiest entry point for international tourists, with a 3.3% increase in passenger numbers compared to the previous year. Mexico City International Airport, while experiencing a slight 0.3% decrease, still welcomed over 2.1 million international visitors. Los Cabos International Airport also reported growth, with a 0.1% increase in passenger traffic.
The Mexican Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) has set ambitious targets for the year, aiming to attract 55.3 million international tourists and generate US$31.6 billion in tourism revenue. Given the strong performance in the first half of 2024, the industry is optimistic about achieving these goals. The sustained growth in Mexico’s tourism sector is a testament to the country’s diverse attractions, rich cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality. As global travel continues to rebound, Mexico is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for leisure and vacation experiences.
