Mexico is gearing up for a significant boost in tourism revenue this Semana Santa, with expectations of over 300 billion pesos (approximately 15 billion dollars) from both national and international visitors. This marks a 9% increase compared to the previous year, as reported by the Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Concanaco-Servytur). The Semana Santa vacation period runs from Sunday, April 13, 2025, to Sunday, April 20, 2025, and is anticipated to surpass last year's 275 billion pesos (about 13.5 billion dollars).
Octavio de la Torre Steffano, president of Concanaco-Servytur, emphasized the importance of Semana Santa, stating, "Semana Santa not only has a profound cultural and religious significance, but it is also an economic pillar that strengthens millions of families. From the Confederation, we promote initiatives that foster domestic tourism, responsible consumption, and community participation in the sector's value chain." This year, the organization predicts a hotel occupancy rate of 90% across the country, with high demand for beach destinations, magical towns, and traditional religious sites.
Among the most popular festivities during this period are the annual representation of the Via Crucis in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, and celebrations in Oaxaca, Taxco (Guerrero), Morelia (Michoacán), and the Basilica of Los Remedios. The Concanaco-Servytur also highlighted that commerce, services, and tourism together account for more than 50% of Mexico's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In addition to the anticipated revenue growth, Mexico saw a notable increase in international tourism in the early months of 2025. According to the Ministry of Tourism, 3.8 million foreign tourists arrived in Mexico via air during January and February, marking a 2.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024 and a 17.9% increase from 2019.
Of these, 2.368 million were from the United States, reflecting a 4.3% increase from last year and a whopping 38.2% increase compared to 2019. Canada also contributed significantly, with 814,352 tourists arriving, which is an 11.8% increase from 2024 and 15.6% from 2019. Argentina also showed growth, with 78,139 arrivals, a 29.5% increase from the previous year.
Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, head of the Ministry of Tourism, pointed out the economic importance of international tourist flows, particularly in strengthening ties between Mexico and the United States. She noted, "This is clear evidence of the importance of international tourism flow in the economic relationship between Mexico and the United States, confirming the need to strengthen and maintain our tourism ties."
To further promote Mexico in the United States, the Tianguis Turístico 2025 will host a gastronomic and cultural event titled "La Ventana de México en San Diego" on April 26 and 27, 2025. This event will be free and open to the public, allowing attendees to experience Mexico's natural, cultural, artisanal, and culinary offerings.
As Semana Santa approaches, the anticipation for a successful tourism season is palpable. The combination of cultural significance, economic impact, and the influx of international visitors paints a promising picture for Mexico's tourism sector in 2025.
