Tourism GDP Growth Resumes, but Experts Believe Mexico’s Tourism Potential is Underutilized
The tourism GDP for the second quarter of 2025, after seasonal adjustments, increased by 0.4% compared to the previous quarter and marked three consecutive periods of growth, according to Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi).
On the other hand, domestic tourism consumption rose 0.8% from the previous quarter and increased by 1.9% compared to the same period in 2024, as reported by the Indicators of Trimester Activity in Tourism (ITAT).
Analysis from the Advanced Research Center in Sustainable Tourism (STARC) at Anáhuac Cancún University
The STARC from Anáhuac Cancún University noted that both the tourism GDP and domestic consumption, driven by internal consumption, showed a marginal uptick. However, internal consumption remains marginally below last year’s levels, likely due to increased travel abroad.
Breakdown of Tourism GDP and Consumption
In the tourism GDP breakdown, goods increased by 0.6% and 1.5%, respectively, while services (accounting for 92%) grew by 0.3% and 0.0%, respectively.
Regarding domestic consumption, the internal consumption segment (comprising 83% of national tourists) increased by 2.3% compared to the previous quarter but fell by 0.2% compared to the same period last year, reflecting a significant recovery from the 4.3% decline in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
The other component, inbound tourism consumption, decreased by 4.7% from the first quarter of the year but grew by 14.2% compared to the second quarter of the previous year.
Government Response and Expert Opinions
Following the release of the ITAT, Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism highlighted the results and commented: “Tourism is a vibrant force driving development and unity in Mexico. We will continue working to ensure its benefits reach everyone.”
Marginal Growth and Challenges Ahead
Humberto Molina, an economist specializing in tourism from Grupo Empresarial Estrategia (GEMES), acknowledged the sustained growth of tourism GDP, though he emphasized that current levels fall short of Mexico’s true tourism potential.
Molina pointed out that the recent national GDP decline in the third quarter of 2025 will likely impact tourism activity. He stressed the need for promotional tourism actions, especially considering challenges like insecurity and roadblocks heading into 2025.
“Yes, we should highlight the growth in tourism GDP, but it’s also crucial to note that these rates are low, and the sector’s future doesn’t look promising. We’ve seen declining international tourist arrivals via air for seven years due to the lack of promotion, which generates significant foreign exchange,” added Molina, an analyst in tourism matters.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current state of Mexico’s tourism sector? The tourism GDP has shown marginal growth for three consecutive quarters, but experts believe Mexico’s tourism potential remains underutilized.
- What are the recent trends in domestic and international tourism consumption? Domestic consumption increased by 0.8% from the previous quarter and 1.9% compared to the same period in 2024, while international tourism consumption has been declining for seven years due to insufficient promotion.
- How have different components of tourism GDP performed? The goods component grew by 0.6% and 1.5%, while the services component (92%) increased by 0.3% and remained stagnant, respectively.
- What challenges does the tourism sector face in Mexico? Insecurity and roadblocks are significant challenges, along with the lack of promotional tourism actions that have led to declining international tourist arrivals.
