Mexico's International Air Arrivals Soar to 16.5 Million, Exceeding Pre-Pandemic Levels

Record-Breaking Air Tourist Numbers

Mexico's tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, with the country welcoming a total of 16,571,000 international tourists by air between January and October 2025. This figure represents a substantial 10.2% increase over the same period in 2019, the last full year before the global pandemic significantly impacted travel. The latest data, released by the Mexican Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR) and the Ministry of the Interior's Migration Policy Unit, also indicates an increase of nearly 100,000 visitors compared to the corresponding period in 2024, signaling sustained momentum in the industry.

Key Source Markets Drive Growth

The surge in international air arrivals is primarily fueled by strong demand from Mexico's traditional key markets. The United States remains the leading source, contributing 11.157 million visitors during the ten-month period, which is 26.7% higher than 2019 levels and 62,000 more than in 2024. Canada also showed robust growth, with 2.079 million visitors, an 18.1% increase over pre-pandemic levels and an 11.4% rise compared to the previous year. The United Kingdom followed, with 372,061 travelers, marking a 3.2% increase over 2024.

Beyond these primary markets, Mexico is successfully diversifying its international appeal, attracting a growing number of tourists from other regions. Notable double-digit percentage increases were observed from:

• Italy: +14.8%
• Argentina: +14.3%
• South Korea: +11.6%
• China: +10.6%

These figures highlight Mexico's expanding global reach and its ability to attract a broader range of international visitors.

Economic Impact and Diverse Traveler Profiles

The robust tourism performance has a significant economic impact. Between January and September 2025, foreign exchange earnings from international visitors reached $25.78 billion, with air travelers spending an average of approximately $1,243 per trip. Secretary of Tourism Josefina Rodríguez Zamora emphasized that these results confirm Mexico's position as a reliable destination, stating, 'These results confirm that Mexico is a reliable destination for the millions of people who visit us each year.'

The country's appeal spans a wide demographic, with visitor profiles indicating a diverse range of travelers:

• Ages 30-44: 29.2%
• Ages 45-59: 24%
• Ages 60+: 16.9%
• Ages 16-29: 18.4%
• Children & adolescents: 11.5%

Rodríguez Zamora noted that 'Families, young travelers and older adults continue to come because they find in our country a destination full of hospitality, infrastructure and experiences that inspire peace of mind and enjoyment.' This broad appeal underscores Mexico's versatility as a destination for various types of travel, from family vacations to cultural exploration and adventure tourism.

Outlook for Continued Growth

Tourism officials are optimistic about the future, with expectations for 2025 to conclude as a record year. The country's commitment to sustainability and cultural inclusivity, along with ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure, are expected to further solidify Mexico's standing as a global leader in travel. Major upcoming events, such as the 2026 World Cup, are anticipated to attract even more visitors, setting a high base for continued growth in the coming years.