Page last updated: 05 May 2025
Mexico’s culture, history, and landscapes offer a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern cities, attracting tourists to its historical sites and urban hubs.
How many tourists visit Mexico each year?
Over 40 million tourists visit Mexico each year. In 2024, a total of 45.04 million international tourists visited Mexico.
- Mexico welcomed 45.02 million international visitors in 2019. Visitor numbers dropped by 46% to 24.32 million in 2020 due to the pandemic.1
- Mexico’s recovery is evident in 2021, with 31.86 million international visitors. This continued to increase in 2022 with 38.33 million international visitors.2
- In 2023, Mexico attracted 42.15 million international visitors, but this was still 6% down compared to the 2019 figure (pre-pandemic).3
- Approximately 45.04 million people visited Mexico in 2024, representing a 7% increase from the previous year and nearly matching the pre-pandemic peak of 2019.
How many tourists visited Mexico in 2024?
- A total of 45.04 million tourists visited Mexico in 2024. This marks an increase of 7% from the previous year.
How many people visited Mexico in 2023?
- Mexico welcomed 42.15 million international visitors in 2023, representing a 10% increase from 2022, with a total of 38.33 million visitors.
How much do people spend in Mexico every year?
International tourism generated $32.96 billion in 2024.
- Mexico’s tourism revenue reached $24.56 billion in 2019. However, during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, this decreased to $11 billion.
- Mexico saw signs of recovery with $19.76 billion in international tourism expenditure in 2021, increasing to $28.03 billion in 2022 and $30.81 billion in 2023.4
- In 2024, inbound tourists spent $32.96 billion in Mexico, exceeding the peak pre-pandemic year by 34%.
How much did people spend in Mexico in 2024?
- Approximately $32.96 billion was spent by tourists while visiting Mexico in 2024. This marks a 7% increase from the previous year and exceeds the pre-pandemic peak by 34%.
How much did tourists spend in Mexico in 2023?
- International tourists spent $30.81 billion while visiting Mexico in 2023.
Where do visitors to Mexico come from?
- The United States made up the majority of tourists, with approximately 13.5 million visitors in 2024, followed by Canada, which accounted for 2.5 million visitors.
- Visitors also came from Colombia(735,000) and the United Kingdom(497,000), while Spain contributed approximately 367,000 visitors.5
Impact of Coronavirus – Mexico Tourism Statistics 2020
- Due to travel restrictions, Mexico was left with 24.3 million international visitors in 2020, 46% less compared to 2019 when there were 45 million international visitors.
- International tourism expenditure plummeted to $11 billion in 2020 from $24.56 billion during the pre-pandemic period.
How popular is Mexico as a tourist destination?
- Mexico City was named the Best Cultural City in the World in 2024 by Time Out magazine.
- 18 restaurants earned Michelin stars, and Quintonil ranked 7th in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, spotlighting Mexico’s global culinary excellence.
- In 2023, Mexico stood 4th in the Global Tourism Ranking, welcoming 42.15 million tourists.
- Back in 2019, before travel restrictions reshaped global movements, Mexico ranked as the 7th most visited country with 45.02 million international visitors. In 2021, Mexico climbed to 2nd, drawing over 31.86 million visitors.
When is the best time to go to Mexico?
The best time to visit Mexico is during the months with the highest tourist arrivals, which reflect favorable weather, holidays, and major events.
- December is the most popular, with 4.79 million visitors, thanks to holiday celebrations and warm weather perfect for escaping winter.
- March follows with 4.13 million visitors, driven by spring break travel, especially to beach destinations.
- July attracts 3.99 million visitors during summer vacations, while November brings in 3.95 million travelers drawn by cultural events like Día de los Muertos.
- January also sees high tourism, with 3.64 million arrivals, as many continue their holiday trips and seek relief from colder northern climates.
Why do people visit Mexico?
- People visit Mexico for its beautiful beaches and warm climate, with destinations like Cancun and Tulum offering ideal spots for relaxation and water activities.
- Visitors are drawn by the country’s rich history and cultural heritage, including ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and UNESCO-recognized traditions.
- Festivals and local traditions, such as Día de los Muertos, provide unique and immersive cultural experiences.
- Mexico’s world-famous cuisine, diverse natural scenery, and affordability make it a popular choice for travelers worldwide.
Best Places to Visit in Mexico
- Mexico City: A vibrant capital city with fascinating museums and an active art scene, Mexico City is home to the Museum of Anthropology.
- Cancun: One of the most famous resort towns in the world, located on the Yucatan peninsula.
- Tulum: The town of Tulum is known for its Bohemian flair and its ancient Mayan fortress located down the coast of Cancun.
- Cabo San Lucas: Commonly referred to as “Cabo”, a luxurious resort town on the Baja California Peninsula known for its spas and restaurants.
- Puerto Vallarta: A great destination for diving and snorkelling, located on Mexico’s western coastline.
Mexico Travel Statistics Resources
America Travel Statistics Resources
- Canada Statistics (incl. Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver)
- Panama Statistics
- Peru Statistics (incl. Machu Picchu)
- USA Statistics
References
- DATATUR: Results of Tourism Activity 2019 ↩︎
- Embamex: International visitors to Mexico 2021 ↩︎
- MexicoNewsDaily: Tourism revenue in Mexico ↩︎
- TradingEconomics: Mexico Tourism Revenue ↩︎
- Gowithguide: Tourism In Mexico Statistics 2023 ↩︎