Mexico | Culture, a Powerful Tourism Driver for the Country’s Economy

Mexico’s culture is a powerful tourism driver, the country boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage featuring rich ancient ruins (Mayan, Aztec), top, vibrant traditions like the “Dia de los Muertos”  (Day the Dead), a stunning architecure visible in several colonial cities and towns, world - renowned cuisine, colourful folk art (artesanía), iconic music (Mariachi), a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences, attracting millions to historic sites and museums, fuelling an economic and cultural resurgence, confirming itself as a great engine for the country’s economy.  

According to the Mexican authorities, the influx of 19.5 million people to museums and archaeological sites between January and November 2025, culture is one of the great engine of tourism in country. 

Based on figures from the National Institute of Anthropology and History, the Secretary of Tourism Josefina Rodríguez, explained that in this period the archaeological sites received nine million visitors, of which 63% were national and 37% international, and according to what was released, this represented an increase of 3.2% compared to the same period in 2024. 

The Secretary of Tourism also specified that during the first 11 months of last year, museums registered 10.5 million visitors, with a majority participation of national tourism (89 percent). The figure meant an annual increase of 16% compared to January - November 2024. 

In a statement, the official highlighted these results as a reflection of the growing interest of national and international visitors in Mexico’s cultural richness, recognized worldwide due to its diversity, historical value and ancestral legacy. 

The museums with the highest influx were the National Museum of Anthropology, which concentrated 43% of the total visits; the National Museum of History, with 23%, and the Museum of the Templo Mayor, with 4%. 

As for the archaeological sites, Chichén Itzá stood out, with two million visitors; Teotihuacán with a Site Museum (1.6 million) and Tulum (980.000). 

Key Features Driving Cultural Tourism: 

•    Ancient Civilizations: Iconic archaeological sites like Chichén Itzá, Tulum’s El Castillo, and Teotihuacán draw vast numbers, showcasing Mayan and Aztec heritage. 
•    Rich Museum Scene: Mexico City boasts numerous world - class museums, including the National Anthropology Museum and Frida Kahlo’s Blue House, attracting both international and domestic visitors. 
•    Vibrant Traditions and Festivals: The unique “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) and lively local celebrations showcase deep - rooted customs and community spirit. 
•    World - Class Cuisine: Mexican food, with its diverse flavours and regional specialties, is a major draw, recognized globally. 
•    Folk Art and Crafts (Artesanía): Colourful textiles, pottery (like Oaxcan black pottery) and wooden carvings offer tangible connection to local artistry. 
•    Music and Art: Mariachi music’s vibrant performances and famous mural by artists like Diego Rivera add to the cultural tapestry.
•    Cultural Fusion: A unique blend of indigenous (Aztec, Maya, Olmec) and Spanish influennces creates a distinctive national identity seen in architecture, food, and traditions. 

According to official information, from January to October 2025, 38.4 million international tourists entered the country, while in all of 2024 45.380.754 arrived. 

Mexico currently ranks sixth in the world in terms of travellers’ arrival a reality that the administration od President Claudia Sheinbaum seeks to overcome even more, by placing it iin fifth position in that ranking also with the support of cultural tourism is experiencing a “historic surge” with visitor numbers to museums and archaeological sites surpassing pre - pandemic levels in 2025. 

This growth signifies a cultural and economic reawakening, with significant domestic participation alongside international interest. 

Mexico’s rich cultural offerings are supported by national strategies focusing on sustainable, community - based experiences, including Plan Mexico and partnership with UNESCO, making the country’s outlook exceptionally strong, confirming culture as a powerful tourism driver also in 2026 and beyond. 

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/confirman-a-la-cultura-como-gran-motor-del-turismo-en-mexico/