Mexico Experiencing Exponential Growth

Image: PHOTO: Acapulco and other tourist havens throughout Mexico are reporting more visitors and more tourism dollars. (photo via Flickr/Comision del Mexico Filmaciones)
Image: PHOTO: Acapulco and other tourist havens throughout Mexico are reporting more visitors and more tourism dollars. (photo via Flickr/Comision del Mexico Filmaciones)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 5:55 PM ET, Mon December 18, 2017

Mexico is on pace for another record year for tourism.

According to Tourism Promotion Council of Mexico (CPTM) general director, Hector Flores Santana, the economic flow generated by international visitors from January to September this year grew 9.6 percent, compared to the same period last year.

The figure amounts to accumulated growth of nearly 70 percent compared to just five years ago, according to Reportur.com.

The arrival of international tourists increased 12.3 percent to 28.6 million from January to September. Those same visitors spent a healthy $16 billion.

Enhanced air travel connectivity has greatly influenced the welcome tourism boom, according to the CPTM director.

"The growth in connectivity and the opening of new flights have contributed to this increase since air connectivity has registered great dynamism, an example of which is that in the January-October period about 152 thousand international flights arrived in the country, which represents a growth of 8.1 percent," said Flores Santana.

Tourism by air grew 10.9 percent, adding 13.8 million tourists in the period of January-September of this year. Since 2012 Mexico has seen 35 percent growth in international flights, adding about 39,000 additional trips in just five years' time.

The arrival of domestic tourists to Mexican hotels also grew over the first three-quarters of 2017, rising 6.4 percent from January to September.

Earlier this year, data from Marketing Consultants found that tourism was surging in Cancun and the surrounding Riviera Maya region through the first nine months of 2017. However, the industry is flourishing in the Mexican Caribbean as a whole as evidenced by a dramatic increase in hotel and resort openings across Quintana Roo.

Los Cabos tourism has also proved virtually unstoppable with the destination on track for 5 percent growth in tourist arrivals in 2017.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...