Mexico emerges as most visited Global South country in 2023
Mexico emerged as the most visited country in the Global South in 2023, with an impressive 42 million international tourists.
This figure places Mexico sixth globally, surpassing popular destinations like the United Kingdom (37 million), Germany (35 million), and Greece (33 million).
The influx of tourists impacted Mexico's economy with tourism injecting approximately $46.4 billion into the country's GDP in 2023. The sector also witnessed a remarkable 15% growth compared to the previous year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
But the story of Mexico's tourism success goes beyond statistics. According to Statista, the country's commitment to improving its airport and flight infrastructure contributed to the astronomical tourist numbers.
"By developing airport infrastructure and calibrating new direct flights, Mexico has set international tourism high on its priorities list. At the forefront of Mexico's spike in international tourism is the FONATUR, or Mexico's National Fund for Tourism Development. The tourism body worked in the expansion of Cancun's airport and other four key tourist airports in the country. Plus, Mexico City's airport added new international direct flights in the 2010s, resulting in being rated as the best internationally connected airport in Latin America in 2019," Statista reports.
Connolly Cove also attributes Mexico's tourism achievement to destinations like Cancun. It remained the most popular destination attracting 25% of all visitors. Chichen Itza and Tulum, famous for their ancient Mayan ruins also drew 18% of tourists.
Additionally, colonial cities like Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende accounted for 12% of visitors and Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, known for their Pacific beaches, attracted 10% of tourists.
