The tourism sector in Mexico is experiencing remarkable growth with significant foreign direct investment (FDI), alongside active promotional initiatives focusing on attracting visitors to lesser-known destinations like Tamaulipas.
Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, the Secretary of Tourism for Mexico, recently announced some impressive figures reflecting this growth. For the year 2024, the tourism FDI recorded reached approximately $2,870.9 million dollars, which marks a staggering increase of 129.5% compared to the figures from 2019. Zamora noted this resurgence in international investment is indicative of growing confidence from overseas investors toward Mexico as a vibrant tourism destination.
According to data from the Ministry of Economy, this investment consists of diverse segments within the tourism industry, including furnished apartments and other accommodation services. Specifically, Zamora detailed, "La inversión directa en departamentos y casas amuebladas con servicios de hotelería ascendió a mil 942.7 millones de dólares, durante 2024." This category alone constitutes around 95.5% of the total FDI directed toward tourism.
The segmentation of this investment reveals the regions of Mexico most attractive to foreign investors. Baja California Sur topped the list, capturing $1,038.6 million, which is 36.2% of the total investment. Following closely, Quintana Roo attracted $786.9 million, amounting to 27.4%, and Nayarit received $330.1 million, representing 11.5% of the overall FDI. Cumulatively, from 1999 to 2024, tourism FDI amounts to $35,597.8 million, accounting for 4.7% of all foreign investment attracted to Mexico during this period.
The figures presented by Zamora indicate not just economic growth, but also the potential for creating modern and sustainable infrastructure within the tourism sector. She emphasized how this influx of foreign capital helps generate employment opportunities, thereby enhancing the quality of life across Mexican communities.
On another front, tourism operators and agencies were recently invited to experience the offerings of Tamaulipas, particularly amid the festive backdrop of the Tamaulipas Carnival 2025. Benjamín Hernández Rodríguez, the Secretary of Tourism for Tamaulipas, welcomed several operators from the tourism sector to explore the state’s natural beauty, rich culture, and vibrant culinary scene. This event aims to showcase what the region has to offer, encouraging these professionals to promote it to potential visitors.
Hernández Rodríguez pointed out the significance of firsthand experiences for tourism operators: "Los visitantes también están disfrutando del Carnaval 2025 de Tampico, Madero y Altamira en todas sus facetas." He highlighted how exposure to the area's cultural, historical, and natural attractions is key for encouraging long-term promotion and investment.
Highlighting the importance of security for visitors, Hernández Rodríguez noted it as a fundamental factor for attracting tourists. With careful strategic planning, Tamaulipas aims to present itself as one of the preferred vacation spots year-round. The region offers unique attractions, including its history and hospitality, which Hernández confidently claimed, "el estado lo tiene todo."
Through discussions surrounding significant FDI growth and proactive promotional strategies, it's clear Mexico's tourism sector is on the rise. The combination of welcoming infrastructure investment and focused promotional campaigns like those seen in Tamaulipas presents exciting opportunities not only for the local economy but for travelers seeking new experiences across this vibrant nation.