Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Mexico’s allure as a top destination for international travelers continues to strengthen, as evidenced by the influx of visitors at the start of 2024. The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) has released figures that highlight a robust growth in the country’s tourism sector for January.
In the first month of the year, the country welcomed approximately 6.7 million visitors, with 3.6 million of them being international tourists. This represents a 4.6% increase compared to the same period last year. Furthermore, the total expenditure by these visitors reached $3,143 million, marking a 4.7% rise from January 2023. Notably, a substantial portion of this spending, amounting to $2,940 million, was attributed to foreign tourists.
The International Traveler Survey provides additional insights into these trends. According to the survey, the number of international tourists – individuals residing outside of Mexico who stayed overnight – in January 2024 was 3.6 million, up 3.6% from the previous year. Additionally, internal tourists, defined as those residing outside of the country but traveling within Mexico beyond the border strip and staying at least one night, were counted at 2.4 million, a 2.3% increase from 2023.
The spending habits of visitors to Mexico vary considerably. The average expenditure per visitor in January stood at $463.7, marginally higher (0.1%) than in January 2023. Internal tourists spent on average $1,180, while border tourists, who typically spend less time within the country, recorded average spending of $100.8.
In contrast, Mexican residents traveling abroad constituted a group of 4.9 million individuals in January 2024, a significant 20.3% increase from the previous year. The average expenditure for these outbound travelers was $155.8 per person.
This positive trend in tourism is contributing to the overall economic health of the country. According to Inegi, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) related to tourism activities (tourist GDP) experienced a 7.8% growth rate in the third quarter of 2023, predominantly driven by the services sector.
The burgeoning tourism figures underscore Mexico’s continued appeal to a global audience, reflecting diverse nationalities and spending behaviors among visitors. This growth not only signifies a rebounding tourism sector but also plays a critical role in the nation’s broader economic development and cultural exchange.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Mexico's allure as a top destination for international travelers continues to strengthen, as evidenced by the influx of visitors at the start of 2024. The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) has released figures that highlight a robust growth in the country’s tourism sector for January.
