Mexico’s top tourist destinations—Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta—have experienced a sharp decline in international visitors over recent months. According to the Mexican National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), foreign air tourism to these destinations dropped by 3.6% in July 2024 compared to the same month last year. The decline worsened in August with a 6.2% decrease and reached 6.4% in September.
From January to October 2024, Cancun and Los Cabos airports reported nearly a 3% year-over-year drop in international arrivals, with Puerto Vallarta also contributing to the overall downturn. These three airports collectively account for over 95% of international air traffic to Mexico’s beach destinations, highlighting the significant impact on the country’s tourism sector.
Several challenges have been identified as drivers of this decline:
- Insufficient international promotion of Mexico as a travel destination, allowing competitors to capture market share.
- Rising insecurity in certain regions, which has deterred some potential visitors.
- Stricter visa requirements for travelers from key markets like Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.
Adding to these issues, a reduction in flight availability has significantly affected travel. A major airline’s suspension of multiple routes for engine inspections has limited connectivity, making it harder for tourists to reach popular destinations.
Industry experts predict the downturn in international tourism will persist through the end of 2024, raising concerns for Mexico’s economy. Tourism is a critical revenue source, particularly for coastal regions. Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta remain among the top destinations for international travelers, but the sustained drop in arrivals threatens their economic stability.
While inbound tourism has declined, outbound travel by Mexican citizens has surged. INEGI data shows that from January to September 2024, 5.4 million Mexicans traveled abroad—a 19.5% increase from the same period in 2023 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This trend persists despite the strong U.S. dollar, reflecting growing interest in international vacations among Mexican travelers.
Stakeholders in Mexico’s tourism industry are calling for stronger promotional efforts and policy changes to address the challenges and regain momentum in attracting international visitors. Enhanced marketing campaigns, better security measures, and adjustments to visa policies are being suggested to improve Mexico’s appeal as a global travel destination.
As the tourism sector faces continued declines, the coming months will be critical for Mexico’s efforts to revitalize its image and sustain its position as a leading travel destination.