Mexico tourism industry growth and economic rankings

Mexico’s tourism sector continues to demonstrate significant economic dynamism. According to data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the country secured the fourth global position in two key 2025 economic indicators: the direct contribution of travel and tourism to GDP, totaling $149.4 billion, and spending on leisure and pleasure travel, which reached $237.9 billion. In both categories, Mexico trails only the United States, China, and Germany.

WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara noted that international visitor spending grew by 3.5% in 2025, a trend that contrasted with declines observed in the United States and Canada. The state of Quintana Roo, specifically destinations such as Cancún and the Riviera Maya, remains a primary driver of this growth.

As the industry builds on the momentum of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stakeholders are also addressing structural challenges. Business leaders from CONCANACO SERVYTUR México have engaged with Supreme Court Minister Lenia Batres to discuss concerns regarding insecurity, extortion, and overregulation. Concurrently, efforts to enhance national connectivity are underway through initiatives involving the Tren Maya, the Islas Marías, and the state-operated Mexicana de Aviación.

Recent developments show a surge in investment and digital integration. Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodríguez Zamora announced that tourism-related foreign direct investment (IEDT) grew by 49 percent in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, reaching $589 million, with total IEDT for the first half of 2026 reaching $1.304 billion.

To support local growth, the government is collaborating with ONU Turismo on community-based tourism initiatives. This includes a digital marketing platform to help small businesses offer services directly to travelers, aiming to reduce reliance on intermediaries. Additionally, the ‘Ángeles Verdes’ service provided approximately 43,000 services to over 125,000 tourists during the summer period.