Cancún Surges Again: 24.4 Million Travelers Make Quintana Roo Mexico’s Tourism Gateway in 2025

24.4M travelers. One gateway: Cancún

The Mexican Caribbean Is Having a Record-Breaking Year

2025 has confirmed what many in the travel industry already knew: Quintana Roo is still the beating heart of tourism in Mexico.

From January to October, 24.4 million passengers landed at Cancún International Airport, making it the second busiest airport in the entire country, just behind Mexico City’s hub.

For a leisure destination, that’s extraordinary—and it speaks volumes.

Why Travelers Keep Choosing Cancún

Perfect beaches. Ancient Maya culture. Turquoise lagoons. Vibrant cities and quiet towns. Jungle adventures, gastronomy, cenotes, nightlife, wellness retreats—few destinations offer this much variety in one place.

Add in strong connectivity from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Latin America, and it’s no wonder Quintana Roo has become the primary entry point for millions of travelers heading into Mexico.

Airport Improvements = Happier Travelers

State and federal authorities have been working together to improve the entire airport experience:

• Faster processing

• Improved service and guest flow

• Better infrastructure

• Streamlined arrivals for international visitors

These upgrades have allowed Cancún International Airport to continue growing without sacrificing traveler comfort.

And it’s paying off.

Tourism That Fuels the Economy

Visitor numbers aren’t just statistics—they translate into:

• More hotel occupancy

• More jobs

• Higher spending in local businesses

• Sustained economic growth throughout the Mexican Caribbean

The state’s New Era of Tourism initiative, led by Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, emphasizes shared prosperity, sustainability, and enhancing the visitor experience. This aligns perfectly with what modern travelers look for.

12 Destinations, One Tourism Powerhouse

Quintana Roo’s strength lies in its diversity. Beyond the fame of Cancún:

Riviera Maya – luxury resorts, wellness escapes, nature tours

Tulum – eco-chic travel, archaeological sites, cenotes

Cozumel – cruise destination, reefs, diving capital

Isla Mujeres – calm beaches, boutique charm

Bacalar & Mahahual – slow travel, lagoon life, serenity

This variety keeps tourists coming back—and attracts new markets every year.

What This Means for 2026

All signs point to continued growth:

• Airlines are adding more routes

• Demand from Canada and the U.S. remains strong

• Wellness, luxury, adventure and cultural tourism are booming

• The Mexican Caribbean remains a top bucket-list destination

Cancún International Airport’s numbers confirm it: Quintana Roo is not slowing down. It’s accelerating.