Tourist Spending and Arrival Statistics in Mexico
In May, Mexico attracted a record-breaking amount of tourist currency valued at 2,618.8 million US dollars, marking a 6.3% annual growth (following a 12.5% increase in April). The country welcomed 3,751,180 international tourists, a 10% rise compared to the same month last year (7.1% growth in April).
Significance of Air Travel Tourists
Air travel tourists, who primarily visit Mexican beach destinations, account for nearly 80% of the total tourist currency inflows received by the country. In May, these travelers generated 2,056.4 million US dollars, reflecting a 3.5% increase, up from a 10.7% growth the previous month.
Challenges Facing Air Travel
Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodríguez explained to El Economista that the decline in air travel arrivals is part of a global trend due to a shortage of aircraft. In Mexico’s case, the government plans to support the aviation industry by launching promotional tours in U.S. and Canadian cities starting the next month.
“This is a considered projection. It’s not just Mexico; many countries have seen a decrease in tourist arrivals via flights. Airlines have fewer planes, and we need to acknowledge this. With recent accidents, some aircraft are grounded, reducing available seats. This is a global phenomenon, but we’re countering it by creating new routes and initiating promotional actions,” Rodríguez commented.
Spending Patterns Among Tourists
The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) reported that the overall average spending by international tourists decreased by 4.5%, from 656.31 to 626.47 US dollars in May. However, the average spending of air travel tourists increased by 9.6%, reaching 1,222.82 US dollars, contributing to the total tourist currency growth in May.
Cumulative January-May Performance
According to the Encuestas de Viajeros Internacionales (EVI), Mexico received a total of 15,929.5 million US dollars in tourist currency between January and May, marking a 6.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. During this time, 19,357,760 international tourists visited Mexico, a 6.8% increase.
The average spending by international tourists dropped by 1.5%, from 766.93 to 755.46 US dollars, while the average spending of long-stay tourists rose by 4.6%, from 1,123.73 to 1,175.99 US dollars, driving the growth in total tourist currency.
Mexico’s Position as a Leading Tourist Destination
Following the Inegi report released on Friday, Rodríguez stated that Mexico continues to establish itself as one of the world’s most attractive and dynamic travel destinations, playing a crucial role in bringing prosperity to Mexicans engaged in this noble industry.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main topic of this article? The article discusses Mexico’s record-breaking tourist currency inflows while noting a decline in air travel arrivals.
- Why are air travel tourists significant in Mexico? Air travel tourists account for nearly 80% of the total tourist currency inflows received by Mexico, making their impact substantial on the country’s tourism sector.
- What challenges is the air travel sector facing? The air travel sector is dealing with a global shortage of aircraft, which has led to fewer available seats and reduced tourist arrivals.
- How have spending patterns shifted among tourists? While overall average spending by international tourists decreased, the average spending of air travel tourists increased, contributing to Mexico’s total tourist currency growth.
- What does the cumulative January-May performance indicate? Mexico experienced a 6.4% increase in total tourist currency and a 6.8% rise in international tourist arrivals during this period.
