Mexico eclipses US and Canada for international tourism growth and spending

The US suffered a dop in international arrivals and spending last year and was outperformed by Mexico, new data reveals.

 

Mexico led the North America region on international visitor spending growth in 2025, increasing 3.5% year on year, while the US recorded a decline of 4.6% and Canada by 3.5%. 

 

International visitor arrivals to Mexico rose by 6.1%, compared with declines of 5.5% in the US and 0.6% in Canada, new World Travel & Tourism Council figures show.

 

The WTTC’s latest economic impact research shows Mexico’s travel and tourism GDP grew 1.8% in 2025, ahead of the US at 0.9% and Canada at 1.2%. While growth in the US moderated, it remained the world’s largest travel and tourism economy.

 

North America’s travel and tourism sector continues to benefit from strong domestic demand and lower exposure to geopolitical disruption linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the region less dependent on affected transit routes and source markets than other parts of the world, according to the WTTC’s research.

 

The FIFA World Cup is expected to provide a major boost to the sector with forecast travel and tourism GDP growth of 6.4% in Canada, 2.4% in Mexico, and 2.1% in the US this year.

 

WTTC data suggests the football tournament, being jointly hosted by the three countries between June 14 and July 13, presents a “significant strategic opportunity” to strengthen long-term tourism growth across the region through improved connectivity, enhanced visitor experience and closer cross-border co-operation.

The organisation also emphasised the importance of continued investment in aviation, tourism infrastructure, digital innovation and streamlined visitor entry processes to maintain North America’s global competitiveness and support future growth.

WTTC research indicates continued focus on connectivity, destination infrastructure, and visitor experience will be key to consolidating Mexico’s position as the region’s leading growth market.

 

Travel and tourism is forecast to support 30.9 million jobs across North America in 2026, representing 12.7% of all jobs in the region.  

 

Meanwhile, Central and South America’s travel and tourism sector is forecast to outperform the global average this year, driven by strong domestic demand, rising international visitor spending and lower exposure to geopolitical disruption impacting other regions.

 

Ecuador is expected to lead the region with sector GDP growth of 11.6%, while Bolivia is projected to grow 10.3%, supported by a 25.8% surge in international visitor spending.

 

Argentina is forecast to grow 4.9% in 2026, while Colombia is projected to record growth of 5.7%, reinforcing the region’s broad-based momentum.    

 

Brazil, one of the region’s largest travel and tourism markets, is forecast to continue growing in 2026, with sector GDP projected to increase 2.1%, while international visitor spending is expected to rise 3%.  

 

WTTC president and chief executive Gloria Guevara said: “North America’s travel and tourism sector continues to demonstrate resilience and strong long-term potential, supported by robust domestic demand and sustained investment across the region.

 

“Mexico’s performance in 2025 clearly shows the strength of its tourism sector and its growing competitiveness on the global stage.

 

“The FIFA World Cup presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for North America to accelerate tourism growth, strengthen connectivity, and showcase the region to millions of travellers worldwide. 

 

“This international event is a chance to capitalise on the long-term benefits it provides.”