Despite a sharp increase in international arrivals, tourist spending in Mexico dropped in May, according to data released Friday by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).
More than 7.9 million international travelers entered Mexico in May, an 18% rise from the 6.7 million reported in the same month last year. Yet average spending per visitor declined nearly 10%, falling to $329.88 from $366.27.
The decline was driven by a steep drop in spending among land travelers. Their average expenditure fell 16.2%, from $367.87 to $308.21. In contrast, air travelers spent more, an average of $1,222.82, up 9.6% from $1,115.31 last year.
Despite lower per-person spending, total tourism revenue rose to $2.62 billion, up 6.3% from $2.26 billion in May 2024.
The biggest gain came from border tourists, visitors who cross into Mexico for work or short-term activities, who spent $183 million, up 28% from $143 million a year ago.
The total number of international tourists reached 3.75 million in May, a 10% year-over-year increase. However, air arrivals declined 5.6% to 1.68 million, while land arrivals surged 22.1% to 358,000.