The Effects on Global Tourism as Mexican Travelers Spend 21.5% More This Year

Civitatis, a leading platform for online distribution of guided tours, activities, and excursions in Spanish across 160 countries, highlights the significant economic impact of Spanish-speaking tourists and the growth potential when Mexican travelers adopt digital payment methods. Spanish, spoken by 750 million people globally, is the second most widely spoken native language after Mandarin, with Mexico leading with 126 million native Spanish speakers.

In 2023, Mexico recorded 46 million departures, showcasing the significant influence of the Spanish-speaking market, especially Mexicans, in global travel. Data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) indicates a substantial increase in international travel by Mexican residents. In May 2024, 5,360,549 Mexican residents traveled abroad, marking a 30% increase from May 2023.

Civitatis reports an 85% increase in the number of Mexicans traveling abroad from January to May 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, indicating a strong preference for European destinations like Italy, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom over the United States or Colombia.

According to INEGI, Mexican travelers spent a total of $895.6 million abroad, reflecting a 21.5% increase from the previous year. The average expenditure per trip increased to $167.08, and Civitatis noted a 10% rise in spending per activity and person in 2024. This highlights the growing economic impact of Mexican tourists on local economies in their preferred destinations.

Juan Rossello, Country Manager of Civitatis Mexico and Business Development USA and Central America, noted that the increasing number of Mexican travelers and their spending power present a significant opportunity for the global tourism industry. By understanding their payment preferences and travel behaviors, businesses can better cater to this valuable market segment. Encouraging the adoption of digital payment methods can enhance the travel experience for Mexican tourists and unlock substantial growth potential for local economies.

An analysis by Fiserv, a global fintech and payments company, emphasizes the importance of understanding payment preferences among Mexican tourists. While 100% of Mexicans still prefer cash for daily or low-value expenses, debit and credit cards are also widely used (85% and 66%, respectively). Digital payment methods, currently preferred by 34%, represent a significant growth opportunity due to their convenience and security.

Rossello commented that the digital payments field in Mexico is growing annually and can be further enhanced with specialized, secure technology ensuring safe and fast transactions. This development would improve the variety of payment methods available. As more Mexicans adopt digital payment methods, the potential for economic growth within the tourism sector increases significantly.

Ensuring the protection and processing of payments without delays is crucial for fostering long-term relationships with banking and financial institutions. An omnichannel acceptance model for payment methods allows businesses to evolve and cater to the diverse needs of travelers. As digital payment adoption increases, so does the potential for significant growth in tourism revenue.

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