SECTUR: International tourist arrivals by air will grow in 2025 and market diversification is progressing

The Secretary of Tourism of the Government of Mexico, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, reported that from January to December 2025 Mexico received 20 million 603 thousand foreign tourists by air, a figure that represents 100 thousand more tourists than in the same period of 2024 and an increase of 11.6 percent compared to 2019.

The head of the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) highlighted that these results reflect the importance of continuing to advance in a strategy of diversifying source markets, aimed at consolidating the growth of the sector, strengthening air connectivity and expanding Mexico's positioning in strategic regions of the world.

“Tourism in Mexico is advancing on increasingly solid foundations. Market diversification is fundamental to building balanced growth, reducing vulnerabilities, and taking advantage of new opportunities in the international context,” he noted.

Strategic markets in growth
He specified that, according to data from the Migration Policy, Registration and Identity Unit of the Ministry of the Interior, Canada consolidated itself as one of the most dynamic markets, registering 2 million 800 thousand tourists, which represents an increase of 11.0 percent compared to 2024 and 22.0 percent compared to 2019.

Arrivals of tourists residing in the United States totaled 13 million 710 thousand people, remaining at similar levels to those of 2024 and 27.2 percent above the records of 2019, which confirms the strength of this traditional market.

Meanwhile, the arrival of tourists residing in the United Kingdom reached 447,252 people, with a growth of 4.8 percent compared to 2024.

Also, during 2025, the increases in the arrival of resident tourists from Italy (+13.7%), Argentina (+10.8%) and China (+8.2%) stood out, compared to the previous year, which reaffirms the progress of the international market diversification strategy.

Regarding the visitor profile, during the period January-December 2025, 28.9 percent of foreign tourists arriving in the country were between 30 and 44 years old; 23.8 percent were between 45 and 59 years old, and 18.4 percent were between 16 and 29 years old. Additionally, 16.9 percent were 60 years of age or older, while 11.8 percent were children and adolescents between 0 and 15 years old.

In this context, Rodríguez Zamora highlighted that national and international airlines, such as Viva Aerobus, Aeroméxico, and Volaris, among others, have recently announced the opening of new flights within and outside of Mexico, which will strengthen the country's air connectivity, expand access options to different destinations, and continue to boost the arrival of international tourists, particularly from strategic markets.

“The opening of new air routes is a key factor in consolidating the growth of tourism in Mexico, strengthening the diversification of source markets and moving towards Shared Prosperity, by generating more economic opportunities, employment and well-being in the communities and tourist destinations of the country,” he stated.

Finally, Rodríguez Zamora reiterated that the Mexican government will continue to promote tourism, strengthen air connectivity, and coordinate with the tourism sector, with the goal of increasing the arrival of international visitors and consolidating Mexico as a global tourism powerhouse, with more balanced and sustainable growth.

Source: SECTUR.