Mexico Sees Record-Breaking Tourism Boom: April Arrivals Jump 13.5%

Mexico welcomed a record-setting 7.66 million international tourists in April 2025, reflecting a 13.5% increase compared to April 2024. This strong rebound marks the highest April visitor count since the pandemic—all while keeping an eye on longer-term growth trends.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Land-border crossings: Hit 1.53 million, up 10.9%, driven by increased travel from the U.S. and Canada.
Air arrivals: Slight growth of 0.2%, but still maintained over 1.9 million visitors.
Tourism earnings: Reached approximately $3.04 billion, a 12.5% rise, despite a marginal dip in per-capita spend (from $400.17 to $396.80).

From January–April, foreign exchange inflows surged 6.4% year-over-year to $13.31 billion, outpacing the 4.8% increase in visitor volume—suggesting each traveler was spending more.

Who’s Traveling & Where They’re Spending

By country: U.S. travelers remain dominant, followed by Canada and Argentina—whose numbers grew by 32.5%.
By region: Key hotspots like Los Cabos saw surging international flight arrivals, while historic cities like Puebla leveraged their colonial charm and UNESCO appeal.

Why It Matters for Mexico’s Economy

Tourism remains a powerful force:

Making up approximately 8.6% of GDP, supporting 5 million jobs as of 2023.
Mexico is targeting a rise in global rankings—preserving its status among the world’s most visited through Plan Mexico, which emphasizes culture, sustainability, and infrastructure.
Continued investment in aviation, hotel developments, regional events, and promotional campaigns points to sustained growth into late 2025 and beyond.

Trends to Watch

Canadian growth: With a 15.6% increase in visits, strategic partnerships between Mexico, Air Canada, and Air Transat are tapping new Canadian demand.
Cruise taxes: Plans for a $42 cruise passenger levy have raised concerns among tourism industry leaders.
Rail development: The ongoing expansion of the Tren Maya enhances connectivity in Yucatán and coastal resort zones.

Final Takeaway

April’s tourism numbers reflect more than seasonal recovery—they point toward a robust and strategic resurgence. With smart economic initiatives and rising consumer interest, Mexico is reasserting itself as a leading global travel destination.

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