Mexico is the sixth most visited country worldwide, welcoming 42.2 million visitors last year. Although most tourists came from North America and Europe, Indian travellers are increasingly exploring Mexico, Consul General Adolfo Garcia Estrada of the Mexican Consulate in Mumbai told T3.
In a significant boost to tourism between India and Mexico, there has been a remarkable 37% increase in Indian travellers to Mexico. According to Consul General Adolfo Garcia Estrada of the Mexican Consulate in Mumbai, the number of Indian visitors surged from 107,192 in 2022 to 147,661 in 2023. This growth underscores the growing interest among Indian travellers in exploring Mexico’s diverse attractions.
“Mexico is the sixth most visited country worldwide, welcoming 42.2 million visitors last year,” Estrada noted. “Although most tourists came from North America and Europe, Indian travellers are increasingly exploring Mexico. Their numbers surged from 107,192 in 2022 to 147,661 in 2023, a 37% increase.”
Post-pandemic, Indian visitor numbers to Mexico have not only recovered but have also surpassed pre-pandemic levels, the Consul General told T3. “During the peak of the pandemic in 2020, Mexico registered only 19,645 Indian visitors. The resurgence has been remarkable, showcasing the resilience and renewed interest among Indian travellers,” Estrada explained.
Rising interest and influences
The significance of India as a source market for Mexican tourism is particularly evident in destinations like Cancun. Estrada highlighted a company in Cancun that specialises in Indian weddings, even providing camels for an authentic celebration. This trend illustrates the influence Indian visitors are having on Mexico’s tourism industry.
Estrada also recounted how the Tourist Promotion of Quintana Roo, at one of the Indian travel fairs, reported that they ran out of flyers and materials due to the huge demand. “For three days, their booth was constantly busy with visitors seeking information about DMCs, accommodation, tours, new emerging destinations, and more.”
Many Indian travel agencies now offer Mexican destinations in their portfolios, often partnering with Mexican Destination Management Companies (DMCs). “For example, I was recently invited to speak about Mexico to various travel agencies in Mumbai affiliated with TAFI. The event was organized by an Indian DMC with a strong partnership with a Mexican DMC,” Estrada recounted.
This event was followed by a successful inaugural Tourism Stakeholders Meet in February and the TAFI-Spanish networking event in April. At the event, Global Destinations, representing the Mexican DMC Trip to Mexico in India, also presented opportunities for FITs to explore the country.
Additionally, the streaming channel TravelXP, the OTT platform for travel videos, has created a series about Mexico, reflecting the enormous interest of Indians in exploring the country, shared Estrada.
Medical Tourism on the rise
Notably, Mexico is also becoming a leading destination for medical tourism, primarily due to the affordability and quality of services. “The country boasts highly skilled medical professionals who perform complex treatments, from dental work and plastic surgery to oncology and cardiology, in state-of-the-art facilities. Most medical tourists to Mexico come from the US and Canada,” Estrada said.
The proximity, lower cost of treatments, and shorter waiting times are key factors positioning Mexico as a premier health hub.
According to a report by Patients Beyond Borders, Mexico is the world’s second most popular destination for medical tourism. In 2020, an estimated 1.4 million to 3 million people travelled to Mexico to benefit from affordable medical treatments.
Simplified visa processes
Traveling to Mexico has been made easier for Indian tourists, confirmed Estrada. “If you have a valid multiple-entry visa for any Schengen country, Japan, the USA, or Canada, you don’t need a visa for holidaying in Mexico. This makes travel to Mexico much easier for Indians,” he said.
Detailed visa information is available on the consulate’s website, ensuring a smooth application process for those who need it.
Concluding his conversation while speaking of his personal recommendations, the Consul General told T3 that the Indians, besides visiting Cancun, can explore much more including 35 UNESCO World Heritage sites across the country. “You can also experience Mexico’s intangible cultural heritage by celebrating the Day of the Dead in Xochimilco, Mexico City, or dancing to Mariachi music in Jalisco. The possibilities are endless, whether you prefer adventure and nature, modern cities, beaches, or mountains,” he suggested.
