Mexico’s Economic Growth Fueled by Tourism, Projected to Support 8 Million Jobs by 2025

Mexico’s tourism industry is poised to reach a historic high in 2025, contributing $281 billion to the national GDP and supporting nearly 8 million jobs.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has projected a landmark achievement for Mexico’s tourism sector in 2025. According to their latest forecasts, the industry is expected to contribute an unprecedented $281 billion to the national GDP, making up 15.1% of the country’s total GDP. This growth underscores the sector’s vital role in Mexico’s economic landscape and highlights its potential to set new records in the coming years.

2024: A Year of Significant Growth

Looking back at 2024, the tourism sector marked a pivotal year for Mexico, contributing $274.4 billion to the national GDP, which accounted for 14.9% of the total. Employment in tourism reached 7.7 million, representing 13% of the nation’s workforce. The international visitor expenditure was $35.6 billion, showing a 4.5% increase from the previous year, while domestic tourism spending hit $206 billion, reinforcing the strength of the internal market. Leisure travel dominated the expenditure, comprising 94.9% of the total tourism spend.

Employment and Economic Impact

The WTTC’s Economic Impact Report (EIR), developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics, suggests that by the end of 2025, the tourism sector will support nearly 8 million jobs in Mexico, accounting for 13.3% of all employment in the country. The report also forecasts that international visitor spending will reach $39.6 billion, a 7.5% increase compared to 2019, and domestic tourism spending will surge to $209.9 billion, up 9.9% from previous highs.

Long-Term Outlook and Regional Data

Looking towards 2035, the WTTC anticipates that Mexico’s Travel and Tourism sector will contribute $362.3 billion to the economy, representing 16.2% of the national GDP. The sector is expected to generate 9.4 million jobs by 2035, adding 1.5 million new jobs over the decade. International visitor spending is projected to reach $66.3 billion, while domestic spending is expected to hit $257.3 billion, cementing tourism as one of the country’s strongest economic sectors.

In North America, by 2025, travel and tourism are expected to contribute $3 trillion to the GDP, accounting for 8.8% of the regional economy. The sector is likely to support 30.3 million jobs, representing 12.4% of all employment in the region. International visitor spending is anticipated to exceed $233 billion this year, with domestic spending projected to grow by 1.4% annually to $1.8 trillion.

Mexico’s tourism sector is showing robust growth and playing a crucial role in the nation’s economic development. With strategic policies, increased connectivity, and a diverse range of destinations, Mexico is well-positioned to lead the future of tourism in the Americas. As Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the WTTC, stated, Mexico continues to establish itself as a global tourism powerhouse, demonstrating resilience and a significant capacity for job creation and local development.