Mexico emerged as North America’s strongest Travel & Tourism performer in 2025, outperforming both the United States and Canada across key growth indicators including Travel & Tourism GDP, international visitor spending, and international arrivals, according to new 2026 EIR data from the World Travel & Tourism Council, sponsored by Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner.
WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) shows Mexico’s Travel & Tourism GDP grew 1.8% in 2025, ahead of the United States at 0.9% and Canada at 1.2%. While growth in the United States moderated, it remains the world’s largest Travel & Tourism economy.
Mexico also led the region on international visitor spending growth in 2025, increasing 3.5%, while the United States recorded a decline of 4.6% and Canada a decline of 3.5%. International visitor arrivals to Mexico increased 6.1% during the same period, compared with declines of 5.5% in the United States and 0.6% in Canada.
Globally, WTTC data forecasts Travel & Tourism will contribute $12TN to the world economy in 2026, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP, while supporting 376 million jobs worldwide. Over the next decade, global Travel & Tourism GDP is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 3.6%, 1.5 times faster than the wider global economy at 2.4%.
According to WTTC’s research, North America’s Travel & Tourism sector continues to benefit from strong domestic demand and lower exposure to geopolitical disruption linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the region less dependent on affected transit routes and source markets than other parts of the world.
Looking ahead, the FIFA World Cup is expected to provide a major boost to Travel & Tourism growth across North America in 2026. WTTC forecasts Travel & Tourism GDP growth of 6.4% in Canada, 2.4% in Mexico, and 2.1% in the United States this year, reinforcing the region’s position as one of the world’s most important tourism markets.
WTTC data indicates the FIFA World Cup presents a significant strategic opportunity to strengthen long-term tourism growth across the region through improved connectivity, enhanced visitor experience, and closer cross-border cooperation.
The organisation also emphasised the importance of continued investment in aviation, tourism infrastructure, digital innovation, and streamlined visitor entry processes to maintain North America’s global competitiveness and support future growth.
WTTC research indicates continued focus on connectivity, destination infrastructure, and visitor experience will be key to consolidating Mexico’s position as the region’s leading growth market.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said:
“North America’s Travel & Tourism sector continues to demonstrate resilience and strong long-term potential, supported by robust domestic demand and sustained investment across the region. Mexico’s performance in 2025 clearly shows the strength of its tourism sector and its growing competitiveness on the global stage.
“The FIFA World Cup presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for North America to accelerate tourism growth, strengthen connectivity, and showcase the region to millions of travellers worldwide. This international event is a chance to capitalize on the long-term benefits it provides.”
According to WTTC’s latest research, Travel & Tourism is forecast to support 30.9 million jobs across North America in 2026, representing 12.7% of all jobs in the region.
