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U.S. Inbound Tourism Slumps Again as Mexico Readies Packed Holiday Season

Analysts blame tougher migration enforcement alongside new data requirements for deterring international trips to the U.S.

Overview

  • The U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office reported a seventh consecutive year-over-year decline in November international visits.
  • From January to October, ITA data show combined air arrivals from Mexico and Canada down 7.4% to 12.978 million, with Mexico down 3.3% (4.863 million) and Canada down 9.7% (8.114 million).
  • Conflicting official tallies complicate the picture for Mexican travel to the U.S., as NTTO figures cited by local media show increases while ITA counts a decline in air arrivals.
  • WTTC forecasts about $12.5 billion less in U.S. international visitor spending this year, with visits from Western Europe and Asia also lower in recent months.
  • Mexico’s Tourism Secretariat projects 4.96 million hotel guests for Dec. 20–Jan. 11 and occupancy above 80% in hubs such as Cancún, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, with demand shifting toward nature-focused and authentic experiences.