U.S. Tourists to Mexico Surpass 13 Million, Driving Historic Economic Impact

The number of tourists from the United States visiting Mexico by air reached a record 13.5 million in 2023, representing a 28.8% increase compared to 2018.

These visitors contributed a significant $15.23 billion in tourist expenditure, marking an extraordinary 56.8% rise from 2018, according to the Mexican Ministry of Tourism (Sectur).

From January to July 2024, 8.9 million U.S. tourists arrived in Mexico, generating $10.57 billion in revenue, a 75.1% increase compared to the same period in 2018. This growth highlights the booming tourism relationship between the two nations, driven by robust flight connections and increased demand.

Flights from 106 U.S. cities connected travelers to 39 destinations in Mexico, with Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Phoenix leading the way. In 2024, 150,498 flights are scheduled between the countries, offering nearly 24.8 million seats, representing a 9% increase in flights and an 8.4% rise in seat availability compared to 2023.

The top airlines operating on U.S.-Mexico routes are American Airlines (19.4%), United Airlines (14.9%), Volaris (13.7%), Delta Airlines (11.3%), and Aeroméxico (8.3%), together accounting for over two-thirds of the total air traffic between the two nations.

In 2024, Mexico expects the arrival of 9.85 million passengers from the top five U.S. cities alone, generating an estimated $11.09 billion in economic impact. This increase reflects the success of initiatives like the "Operation Knock on Doors" program, which has helped attract more American visitors to Mexican destinations.