Tourist visits to Mexico persistently increase, yet there's a decreasing trend in air travel for these tourists
The global tourism industry is currently grappling with a significant decline in air tourist arrivals, a trend that has been largely attributed to an aircraft shortage. This shortage, caused by a combination of factors such as reduced new deliveries, grounded planes, and aviation accidents, has led to a decrease in available flights and seats worldwide[1][2][3].
In Mexico, the decline in air tourist arrivals has been particularly noticeable. However, the overall tourism sector has shown resilience, with a 10% increase in international tourists staying in the country for at least one night in May 2025 compared to the same month the previous year[3]. This increase is largely due to an uptick in cross-border tourists arriving by car or on foot, which saw a 28.2% year-on-year increase in May[3].
Despite this positive trend, air tourist arrivals in Mexico decreased by 5.6% year-over-year in May 2025[2]. Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez attributed this decline to the global trend due to a lack of aircraft[4]. In April 2025, Mexico was the only month among the first five months of 2025 that saw a rise in air tourist arrivals, with a 0.2% increase[4].
The total number of international visitors in Mexico in May 2025 reached 7.93 million, with spending amounting to US $2.6 billion, representing a 6.3% annual increase[5]. However, the average spending by individual tourists in Mexico decreased by nearly 10% from US $366.27 in May 2024 to $329.88 in May 2025[5].
In response to the decline in air tourist arrivals, the Mexican tourism ministry has announced plans to promote Mexico as a tourist destination in the United States and Canada starting next month to boost the airline industry[1]. The ministry also plans to encourage the use of other modes of transportation, such as trains or buses, to offset the decline in air travel[1].
Addressing the global decline in air tourist arrivals requires a combination of short-term promotional strategies and long-term investments. In the short term, governments and tourism boards can initiate promotional activities to attract more travelers[1]. For instance, Mexico plans to launch promotional trips to the U.S. and Canada to boost its airline industry[1].
In the long term, encouraging investments in aircraft manufacturing can help alleviate the shortage[5]. Airlines can also focus on optimizing their existing fleet operations to maximize capacity while waiting for new aircraft deliveries[5]. Governments can offer incentives or support for airlines to maintain operational viability during this period of reduced capacity[5].
In conclusion, the global decline in air tourist arrivals is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. By implementing short-term promotional strategies and long-term investments in aircraft production and operational efficiency, the tourism industry can work towards recovery and growth.
- The current decline in air tourist arrivals is not only affecting the global tourism industry but also noticeably impacting countries like Mexico.
- To counter the decrease in air travel, the Mexican tourism ministry is planning promotional campaigns in the United States and Canada, as well as encouraging the use of alternative modes of transportation.
- In the long run, solutions to the aircraft shortage may include investments in aircraft manufacturing and optimizing fleet operations to increase capacity while awaiting new aircraft deliveries.
