Canaco CDMX President José de Jesús Rodríguez Cárdenas reported that sales for the holiday are expected to exceed the figures reported in 2024 by 8.1%, when sales expectations were 3.6 billion pesos (US $174.9 million).

Kings’ Day (Día de los Reyes Magos) is a common celebration in Latin America and some European countries like Spain. On the morning of Jan. 6, children wake up to gifts brought to them by the three wise men Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar, also known as the Three Kings.

Rodríguez said the three wise men are expected to bring toys to 1.78 million children in Mexico City on Kings’ Day, with an average spending per kid of 2,200 pesos (US $106).

Popular toys on the children’s wish list include video game consoles, cell phones, computer equipment, bicycles, tricycles, scooters, electric bicycles, mini-motorcycles, remote control items, dolls, action figures and balls. The most dynamic sales sectors will be toy stores, candy stores, bakeries, shoe stores, department stores, video game stores, technology stores and clothing stores.

Across the country, economic spending will amount to 24.2 billion pesos, up 10% compared to 2024, the Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism (Concanaco-Servytur) reported. Some 36 million children in the country expect the gifts from the three wise men home.

“Three Kings’ Day is not only a holiday for children, but also an opportunity for businesses to boost their activity, benefiting millions of Mexican families,” Octavio de la Torre, president of Concanaco-Servytur, said.

What’s the origin of Kings’ Day?

According to the biblical story, the three wise men followed a star to Bethlehem to worship and bring gifts to the baby Jesus. The Bible does not mention the men were kings or that there were three of them. However, tradition says they were three because the Bible mentions they offered three gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The wise men appeared only once in the Bible. Still, they left behind a rich tradition.

How is Kings’ Day celebrated in Mexico?

In Mexico, Catholics celebrate the holiday by sharing a sweet, circular bread known as rosca de reyes. The oval shape of the bread symbolizes God’s eternal love, while the crystallized fruits on its surface symbolize the jewels in the crowns of the three kings. A tiny doll, symbolizing baby Jesus, is baked into the bread to represent how the holy family hid him from King Herod’s Massacre of the Innocents by fleeing to Egypt.

Whoever finds the baby Jesus in their piece of bread must provide tamales on Candlemas Day (Día de la Candelaria) on Feb. 2.

Kings’ Day is also known as the Feast of Epiphany, which celebrates the manifestation of Christ on Earth for the first time.

With reports from El Universal and Diario Del Yaqui

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Lezama said that 34 cruise ships are expected to arrive on the island between Dec. 30 to Jan. 5, totaling 119,938 tourists.

These record figures follow an announcement by Mexico’s lawmakers made early in December, postponing the application of a new US $42 fee for every cruise ship passenger docking at Mexico’s ports. The fee, originally scheduled to go into effect this month, will now be implemented in July.

While no final figures have been released, Cozumel’s Puerta Maya port expected over 28,000 tourists from six cruise ships on Jan. 1. Furthermore, Thursday will see 20,705 visitors, followed by 24,986 tourists on Friday. On Saturday, the number of arrivals is expected to drop to 9,470 people.

Meanwhile, Sunday will see 4,980 passengers aboard a single cruise ship docking at Punta Langosta pier, the only reception point that day.

“This achievement is the result of a joint effort between the Government of Quintana Roo, the municipality, and local service providers, reaffirming our Swallow Island as a leading destination in the Caribbean,” Lezama wrote on her official X account.

In the Maya language, Cozumel (Kuzamil) means “island of the swallows.”

In terms of distribution by pier, the Puerta Maya terminal in the southern part of the island and operated by Carnival Cruise Line, will see the highest number of tourists totaling 47,389. This figure represents 39.51% of the overall total. Next is Punta Langosta pier, which is expected to receive 34,744 visitors, while SSA México pier will accommodate 37,805 passengers.

Record number of flights in Quintana Roo

In addition to the number of cruise ship tourists arriving in the island, Dec. 28 saw record numbers of air operations at the state’s four international airports, with 765 air operations in total, Lezama said.

Quintana Roo is the only state in Mexico with four international airports: Cancún, Tulum, Chetumal and Cozumel.

Recording 665 operations on Dec. 28, Cancún International Airport came in first, marking its third-busiest day of the year. Next was Tulum International Airport with 56 flights, setting a record for the number of operations in a single day since its inauguration in December 2023.

With reports from La Jornada

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In 2023, Time Out magazine named Colonia Americana the best neighborhood in the world, and just recently, the Ministry of Tourism recognized Colonia Americana as the city’s first Barrio Mágico (Magical Neighborhood). 

I’m very fond of this neighborhood as my mom grew up there in the 1970s when it was exclusively a residential area. Today, many of the 19th century facades house some of the city’s — and even the world’s — best bars, restaurants and a diverse range of nightlife entertainment. 

So as a Tapatía native, here is my guide to the Best Bars in Colonia Americana. 

Bar Américas

 

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Bar Américas is a classic spot in Guadalajara for electro-music lovers. My friends and I used to go there in our university years when we wanted an alternative to the trendy nightclubs in the city. Unlike many other nightclubs which have disappeared, Bar Américas continues to thrive as a popular spot. 

Known for exclusively playing electronic music, Bar Américas is one of the few bars in the area that remains open until 5 am. National and international DJs frequently perform there, and it’s widely recognized as the best club in Guadalajara — probably even in Mexico. 

Where? Av. Chapultepec Sur 507.

El Gallo Altanero

 

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Coming in at No. 48 in the World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list, El Gallo Altanero is a tribute to the agave culture of Jalisco. The bar’s cocktail menu boasts agave spirits exclusively, combining commercial brands and a large selection of independent producers. 

Adapting to seasonal fruits and focusing on regional pairings, the menu changes every two months. Some of its current seasonal drinks include the Negroni No. 14, Mango Viejo and Chabacano Jaibol. 

Each month, the bar’s owners invite guest bartenders from Europe, the United States or Latin America to go to Guadalajara and take over the bar.

Where? Calle Marsella 126

Matilde Mi Amor

 

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Despite only having four years under its belt, Matilde Mi Amor has become a favorite spot amongst Tapatíos. Its casual dining menu features Mexican spirits, fine cocktails, tapas and pizzas. 

The bar’s interiors are designed with lively green tones, evoking a tropical ambience. Additionally, its terrace offers panoramic views and is pet friendly. 

Old favorites include the “Amiga Date Cuenta” cocktail and the signature “Matilde Mi Amor.”

Where? Calle Colonias 221. 

Farmacia Rita Pérez

 

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Another entry in the World’s 50 Best Bars Discovery list, Farmacia Rita Pérez is a metaphor for overcoming a sickness after buying medicine at a pharmacy. As a nod to the bar’s name, its cocktail menu highlights the region’s agave spirits using various traditional herbs and spices that have been historically used medicinally. 

The 50 Best described it as “the perfect place to drink as a local.” In the afternoon, the bar’s pace is easy and relaxed. At nightfall, the pace quickens at the beat of everything from cumbia to norteño to Queen.    

The food menu includes aguachile in the afternoon and tacos at night.  

Where? Calle Colonias, 79. 

Pare de Sufrir

 

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A bar that promises to stop suffering — what more of an invitation do you need to stop by? Its full name is “Pare de Sufrir… Tome Mezcal,” or “Stop Suffering… Drink Mezcal,” which probably needs no further explanation.

Pare de Sufrir has won itself a place in the heart of Guadalajarans due to its wide selection of agave spirits and other traditional Mexican drinks. More than a bar, it describes itself as a “cultural center for music, mezcal and drinks.” 

The bar’s interiors are bright with murals, string lights, and a live DJ catering to every taste. 

Where? Calle Argentina 66 

De La O Cantina

 

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This is yet another entry on the World’s 50 Best Bars Discovery list. The fact that this keeps happening should probably be an indicator of the quality of nightlife in Colonia Americana.

With a white brick wall decorated with framed images of the Mexican revolution, De la O Cantina draws inspiration from Mexico’s traditional cantinas, serving cocktails made up from traditional drinks like tepache, a fermented pineapple drink, and pulque, fermented sap from the agave plant which was a popular pre-Hispanic alcoholic beverage. 

The bar’s namesake is Mexican revolutionary Genovevo de la O, to whom a section of the cocktail menu is devoted. 

Besides drinks, the place offers a small selection of food too. 

Where? Calle Argentina 70.

El Habanero Negro

 

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Offering a tropical vibe year-round inspired by Yucatán Península, El Habanero Negro is more than just a bar. With a food menu that includes small plates — of tacos of cochinita pibil, plátano, pepita hummus and pork belly — this place satisfies those craving a light meal paired with good drinks. 

Its drink menu includes original drinks like the chejuino, which combines tejuino – a traditional drink in Jalisco made of fermented corn – and beer (also dubbed chela), gin tonics and carajillos. But the house’s staple is the fruity Bagaloo cocktail. 

Where? Calle Manuel López Cotilla 1228A.

Gabriela Solis is a Mexican lawyer turned full-time writer. She was born and raised in Guadalajara and covers business, culture, lifestyle and travel for Mexico News Daily. You can follow her lifestyle blog Dunas y Palmeras.

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The ministry’s efforts include resolving issues negatively impacting tourism to Cancún, including mistreatment of passengers, exorbitant taxi fares and frequent blockades in the resort city’s hotel zone.

Quintana Roo Secretary of Tourism Bernardo Cueto Riestra chats with Richard Quest about the future of tourism in Cancún, particularly the need to keep visitors safe in this popular destination. pic.twitter.com/Wfghsm6H9a

— Quest Means Business (@questCNN) February 20, 2024

In the announcement, Cueto noted that for several years, the local government had been detached from the happenings at the state’s airports. They are now striving to improve the traveler experience and become more competitive as a tourist destination. 

“We need to improve some aspects and dynamics at the Cancún airport to ensure our tourists have a better experience. This is crucial for … competitiveness,” Cueto emphasized.

Cueto explained that immediate actions include halting irregular transport services and improving taxi fares to ensure they are not determined by supply and demand. Authorities aim to enforce fair prices to reduce abuses by some taxi operators and improve passenger mobility. 

Taxis departing from the Cancún International Airport are known to charge tourists upwards of 100 dollars for a ride to the hotel zone. According to the rates established by the city, a one-way trip from the airport to the hotel zone should cost between 100 to 400 pesos (US $5 to 20). 

In addition to the pricing issues, users of rideshare apps like Uber have experienced acts of violence from taxi drivers. 

On Dec. 12, local police arrested three taxi drivers in Puerto Morelos, south of Cancún, for threatening a tourist for using a rideshare app. Videos posted on social media show drivers blocking an English-speaking tourist from getting into the rideshare car. Immediately after, the governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama, said in a statement that the taxi driver’s license had been permanently revoked.

In January 2023, the Supreme Court granted permission for Uber and other rideshare platforms to operate in areas of Cancún and the Riviera Maya, but strong opposition from local taxi operators has led to conflict, increasing attacks by taxi drivers.

With reports from Vértigo Político, Por Esto! and Diario Cambio 22

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Weather forecasts predict cold front No. 18 will enter the country from the northwest, followed by polar air moving in from the Pacific towards the Altiplano, or Central Mexican Plateau. This weather phenomenon will affect all of Mexico except for the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and the southwest.

Te informamos el #Pronóstico del tiempo para las siguientes horas en la #CDMX. pic.twitter.com/mbbpfCW9VQ

— CONAGUA Clima (@conagua_clima) December 26, 2024

These weather conditions will generate windy conditions in several states. Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila and Durango can expect winds of 20 to 30 kilometers per hour with gusts of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour.

Heavy rains are expected in Quintana Roo, with lighter squalls predicted for the rest of the Yucatán Peninsula and Tabasco. Tamaulipas, Hidalgo, Puebla, Veracruz, Guerrero and Oaxaca could also see isolated showers.

Here is the weather report per state for the next 72 hours:

• Minus 5 degrees Celsius with frost: Mountainous areas in Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua and Durango.
• Minos 5 to 0 C with frost: Mountainous areas in Baja California Sur, Sinaloa (east), Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí (west), Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, state of México, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Veracruz and Oaxaca.
• 0 to 5 C with frost: Mountainous areas in Nayarit, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Querétaro, Mexico City and Morelos.

The coldest temperature recorded in Mexico early Thursday was -13 degrees Celsius at La Rosilla, Durango.

The SMN has warned that freezing temperatures will prevail at night and at dawn for the rest of the week, with mild weather during the day.

Afternoons in the northwestern states will be warm, with temperatures ranging between 20 to 26 C. The western states of Nayarit to Colima will see afternoon temperatures ranging between 25 to 30 C.

In the Altiplano or Central Mexican Plateau, which includes Morelos valley to the south, the Puebla-Tlaxcala valley to the east, the Basin of Mexico at the center of the country, and the Toluca valley to the west, cool to warm temperatures ranging between 15 to 25 C are expected.

In contrast, hot temperatures between 25 and 35 C are expected in Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Michoacan, Guerrero, Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo.

High-pressure systems are common at any time of the year in Mexico. During the winter, they are mostly cold systems that bring periods of low temperatures while in spring and summer, high-pressure systems create hot, dry conditions.

With reports from Meteored

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The initiative would involve a total US $21 billion in investment hopes to create 3 million jobs by 2050.

Israel Hurtado, head of AMH2, met with Jorge Islas, the Undersecretary of Energy Transition at SENER, Jorge Islas, to present the association’s Clean Hydrogen Industrial Strategy, an action plan showing how green hydrogen could replace fossil fuels in various industries.

Key points of the strategy include establishing a manufacturing sector focused on hydrogen production and focusing on the production of hydrogen fuel cells, electrolyzers and hydrogen-powered electric turbines, as well as both light and heavy hydrogen vehicles.

Islas and his team reportedly committed to collaborating with AMH2 to promote a green hydrogen industry in Mexico in an organized and efficient way. 

“The green hydrogen industry would also boost the generation of renewable energy, which is crucial for producing clean hydrogen. At the same time, leveraging the potential of clean hydrogen could significantly help decarbonize the country’s economy,” Hurtado told newspaper El Economista. 

Mexico’s Paris Climate Agreement commitment is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 35% by 2030.

Hurtado added that AMH2’s strategy includes wide-ranging recommendations for execution, such as support for infrastructure development, technology adoption, training programs to build human capital and creating an inter-institutional monitoring system.

According to the industry association, Mexico is an optimal region for renewable energy production. Its hydrogen production costs are 64% lower — at US $1.40 compared to US $2.30 in other countries.

However, Islas said Mexico will face challenges to properly develop the nation’s green hydrogen industrial sector. Mexico needs to develop sufficient infrastructure, establish certifications and regulatory standards, as well as create a comprehensive national hydrogen strategy and reduce hydrogen production costs. 

Incentives and tax benefits would also encourage clean hydrogen production, he said.

With reports from Reporte Índigo and Forbes Mexico.

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Estimates suggest that over 20,000 Mexican immigrants are expected to cross the Texas border this December. Most of them are traveling to the area surrounding Jalpan de Serra, a municipality that serves as the access point to communities in the Sierra Gorda de Querétaro, a region with high levels of migration to the U.S.  

These Mexicans living in the U.S. make a yearly plan to meet in Laredo, Texas, at the southern border of the U.S., to advance as a group toward Mexico. Many told the news agency EFE that traveling as a group makes them feel secure and at home. 

Ariadna Tapia, an immigrant who has been traveling between the U.S. and Mexico for seven years, told the news agency EFE that there is not a single moment when a person feels alone during the trip. She also said the group is escorted by the National Guard. 

“You must consider where you are going to depart from and the requirements to register, but there is support staff all day long (…) It is a safe group. We are protected by the National Guard. From the moment one leaves, one is protected,” she said.

Cars and trucks full of gifts, suitcases, clothes, tools and other items parade through the entrance to Jalpan de Serra to reunite with their loved ones who live in Mexico. At the town’s entrance, they are greeted with a Mexican flag.  

Political climate adds stress to annual holiday return

This year, the migrants’ arrival to Mexico happened amidst recent statements by President-elect Donald Trump promising to carry out a massive deportation of irregular migrants in the U.S. 

Some families in the group, including those with proper documentation, fear that when they leave the U.S. to visit Mexico for Christmas, they may face challenges on their way back.  

Más de 25 mil vehículos de paisanos han cruzado por #NuevoLaredo en esta época decembrina, eligiendo nuestra frontera como su cruce favorito. #JuntosLoHacemosPosible @heroespaisanos @INAMI_mx @Claudiashein @GobiernoMX @Dr_AVillarreal @gobtam pic.twitter.com/l46s9XsAvI

— Carmen Lilia Canturosas (@Carmenliliacrv) December 22, 2024

Aristeo Olvera, one of the organizers of the Christmas convoy, told EFE that authorities on both sides of the country have consistently collaborated and supported efforts to protect the status of Mexican immigrants upon their return to the U.S. following the holidays. 

One of those efforts is the mechanism of a sanctuary city. A sanctuary city or state is a policy that discourages local authorities from reporting the immigration status of individuals unless it involves an investigation of a serious crime.

The city of Laredo was a sanctuary city until Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation banning sanctuary cities in Texas.

Despite the ban, “The government of Laredo, Texas, along with the Tourism Ministry, has always been willing and has made an effort to support us,” Olvera said. 

In November, Los Angeles, California, declared itself a sanctuary city, meaning that it now prohibits the use of city resources to assist federal immigration enforcement in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans. With this declaration, Los Angeles joined 560 cities, counties and jurisdictions in the United States that are “sanctuaries” for migrants. 

With reports from Debate and EFE 

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Different theories exist about how this seasonal decoration arrived in Mexico. While some sources say the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree in Mexico originated during the Second Mexican Empire, other sources say the tradition was brought in by German families who settled in the country in the early 1800s.  

While there is no conclusive story of how the Christmas tree tradition began in Mexico, this is what we know.

Origins of the Christmas tree tradition in Mexico 

From the ancient Romans to the Celts in northern Europe and the Vikings in Scandinavia, evergreen trees have played an important cultural role during the winter months. Spruce, fir, hemlock and pine trees attracted admiration for being the only varieties that remained green during the freezing winter months, and ancient cultures duly decorated doors and windows with their prickly boughs. 

Some even believed evergreens would keep away ghosts, witches, evil spirits and illness.  

But the Christmas tree tradition as we know it today dates back to the 8th century, when Saint Boniface used an evergreen tree to convert pagan Germans to Christianity. According to the story, Boniface cut down an oak tree dedicated to Thor in the village of Geismar which residents thought was indestructible. After reading the Gospel, he offered a fir tree as a sign of peace that represented eternal life, adorning it with apples and candles.

However, other sources say that it was Protestant reformer Martin Luther who first decorated an evergreen with candles.  

Whichever the true story, Australian religious historian Carole Cusak told National Geographic in 2020 that German emigrants spread the tradition to other countries and by the 18th century, evergreen trees were used as Christmas decorations all over Europe.

The Second Mexican Empire and the Christmas tree 

In 1864, Austrian archduke Maximilian I and his Belgian wife, Empress Charlotte, arrived in Mexico in an attempt to establish a monarchy in the country. Backed by Napoleon III, the Austrian archduke and brother-in-law of Elisabeth (nicknamed Sisi), the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, lived in Mexico for a little over two years.   

Still, this brief monarchy was enough to leave traces of Austrian culture in Mexico’s history and traditions.  

¿#SabíasQue?

Durante las fiestas decembrinas de 1864, Maximiliano de Habsburgo y la emperatriz Carlota recibieron a la aristocracia mexicana en el Castillo de Chapultepec, maravillándolos con un gran árbol ataviado de esferas, luces y otros lujosos adornos traídos desde Europa. pic.twitter.com/JfsI6U2IyU

— Fideicomiso Centro Histórico de Ciudad de México (@Centro_CDMX) December 26, 2023

During this time, sources say the couple were the first ones in Mexico to bring a Christmas tree into their home in the Chapultepec Castle. According to some references, Mexico’s elite adopted the novelty but stopped doing so after Maximilian was shot in 1867. 

Other references indicate that German families in Mexico were already setting up Christmas trees long before Maximilian arrived in the country.  

Ultimately, sources say that the Christmas tree tradition was reinstated in Mexico after Mexican newspapers shared the news that General Miguel Negrete had set up one in his home.

With reports from Revista Central and AD Magazine

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A verbena refers to a public outdoor party in honor of a saint, religious figure or holiday where the community can enjoy music, food, and drinks in a festive atmosphere.

This year’s Christmas Verbena commenced with the lighting of colorful Christmas decorations on Dec. 17.  The event, which drew hundreds of residents to Constitution Plaza, also known as the Mexico City Zócalo, was led by Mayor Clara Brugada and other city officials.

Holiday lights illuminated buildings around the plaza, including the National Palace, Old City Hall and the Grand Hotel of Mexico, among others. Additional decorations include a tunnel of hundreds of lights, three monumental Christmas trees made up of over 6,000 poinsettias or nochebuenas, and a gigantic Nativity scene featuring Iztapalapa’s monumental Niño Dios (baby Jesus).

This baby Jesus, also known as the the Child of Peace and Good, was handmade in 2013 by the Gómez Reséndiz family of artists and sculptures in the Mexico City borough of Iztapalapa. It has toured the country over the last decade and is now a major attraction at the Christmas Verbena.

A Christmas bazaar has also been set up by the local government, where over 250 artisans from different parts of the country sell their products. The bazaar, dubbed Artisans at Heart, features everything from piñatas to Nativity sets, clothes and various types of traditional handmade crafts. Food stalls selling Mexican delicacies have also been set up at the Zócalo.

Furthermore, the Verbena offers free musical shows featuring 56 artists from Mexico and abroad, including Regina Orozco, Los Tecolines, La Perla (Colombia), Los Mirlos (Peru) and others.

The Verbena will feature daily shows and live performances, including traditional pastorelas — Nativity plays that often feature a bit more humor than their English-language counterparts.

Mexico City’s first annual Christmas Verbena was in 2019, replacing the ice rink that had formerly graced the Zócalo during the holidays. This year, all boroughs of Mexico City feature an ice rink free of charge during the holidays.

Upcoming Christmas Verbena concerts

As part of the festivities, the Zócalo will host various live music performances in upcoming days, including:

• Guatemalan feminist rapper Rebeca Lane: Dec. 21 at 8:15 p.m.
• Los Tecolines (bolero genre): Dec. 22 at 7 p.m.
• Colombian vocals and percussion ensemble La Perla: Dec. 22 at 8:15 p.m.
• Singer/actress Regina Orozco: Dec.  23 at 7:30 p.m.
• Mexican-American flutist Elena Durán: Dec. 24 at 3:45 p.m.
• Los Mirlos (Peruvian psychedelic cumbia): Dec. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
• Ronda Bogotá, formerly led by Celso Piña (cumbia): Dec.  27 at 7:30 p.m.
• Chetes (Rock en español): Dec.28 at 9:30 a.m.
• Austin TV (progressive rock/instrumental): Dec. 29 at 7:30 p.m.

With reports from Milenio, Chilango and Infobae

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The company’s Changing Traveller Report 2025 said such growth is driven by a 7% increase in international bookings compared to December 2023. The countries fueling this demand include the United States, Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

In addition to a rise in international bookings and arrivals, the study showed a year-on-year increase in both the length of stay and lead time for bookings during the Christmas week in Mexico. The average length of stays booked from Dec. 21 to 25 is expected to increase by 4%, from 3.07 days to 3.20 days, while the average lead time for booking would increase by 7%, from 84.80 days to 90.44 days.

“The Christmas holidays have always attracted people to Mexico,” Alfredo Rodríguez, SiteMinder’s Mexico manager, said in a statement. “It is encouraging to see that this year will be no exception.”

The increase in hotel reservations is occurring despite a 2% rise in the hotel’s average daily rate (ADR) during Christmas week, going from US $374.04 in 2023 to US $380.89 in 2024. According to Rodríguez, these figures will generate “significant revenue” for hotels by the end of 2024 and suggested that hotels in Mexico should take full advantage of Mexico’s popularity amongst travelers by focusing on providing memorable experiences this Christmas season.

Despite increasing popularity, Mexico has yet to break into the top 10 global destinations

Mexico’s popularity amongst international travelers has positioned the country amongst the 14th most visited destinations in the world, along with Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States, according to SiteMinder.

In the first six months of the year, Mexico recorded a 6.24% increase in international tourist numbers compared to last year. Data by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) showed that Mexico received 21.8 million international tourists between January and June, compared to the 20.4 million during the first six months of 2023.

Still, Mexico does not appear on the list of the most popular travel destinations for 2025. According to SiteMinder, the countries at the top 10 of the traveler’s wish-list include Japan, the United States, France, Australia, Italy, China, Canada, South Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The report concludes that the growing trend in international tourism shows that people’s trust in the tourism industry is strengthening as they become more familiar with international travel.

With reports from El Sol de México

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