Mexico Travel Growth Outpaces North America in 2025

North America Travel Trends Show Mexico’s Rising Tourism Growth

Mexico recorded stronger Travel & Tourism growth than the United States and Canada in 2025 across several key indicators, according to new 2026 Economic Impact Research (EIR) data released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), sponsored by Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner.

WTTC’s latest research showed Mexico’s Travel & Tourism GDP increased by 1.8% in 2025, compared with 0.9% growth in the United States and 1.2% growth in Canada. Although growth in the United States slowed during the year, the country remains the world’s largest Travel & Tourism economy.

Mexico also recorded growth in international visitor spending, up 3.5% in 2025. In comparison, international visitor spending declined by 4.6% in the United States and by 3.5% in Canada. International arrivals to Mexico rose by 6.1% during the same period, while arrivals fell by 5.5% in the United States and 0.6% in Canada.

Globally, WTTC forecasts Travel & Tourism will contribute US$12 trillion to the world economy in 2026, representing 9.9% of global GDP while supporting 376 million jobs worldwide. Over the next decade, the sector’s GDP is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.6%, compared with 2.4% growth for the wider global economy.

According to WTTC research, North America’s Travel & Tourism sector continues to benefit from strong domestic demand and relatively lower exposure to geopolitical disruption linked to conflict in the Middle East. The region is considered less dependent on affected transit routes and source markets than several other parts of the world.

Looking ahead, the FIFA World Cup is expected to support tourism growth across North America in 2026. WTTC forecasts Travel & Tourism GDP growth of 6.4% in Canada, 2.4% in Mexico and 2.1% in the United States this year.

WTTC said the FIFA World Cup presents an opportunity to support long-term tourism growth across the region through improved connectivity, stronger visitor experiences and closer cross-border cooperation.

The organisation also highlighted the importance of continued investment in aviation, tourism infrastructure, digital innovation and simplified visitor entry processes to support future growth and maintain North America’s competitiveness within global tourism.

WTTC research also noted that continued focus on connectivity, destination infrastructure and visitor experience will play an important role in supporting Mexico’s tourism growth in the coming years.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said: “North America’s Travel & Tourism sector continues to demonstrate resilience and long-term potential, supported by strong domestic demand and sustained investment across the region. Mexico’s performance in 2025 reflects the continued development of its tourism sector and its growing role within global tourism.

“The FIFA World Cup presents an important opportunity for North America to support tourism growth, strengthen connectivity and showcase the region to travellers from around the world.”

According to WTTC’s latest research, Travel & Tourism is expected to support 30.9 million jobs across North America in 2026, representing 12.7% of total regional employment.

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