Tourism has established itself as one of the main drivers of the global economy, and Mexico is following this trend. This growth has transformed the lodging market, where demand in key cities has outstripped traditional hotel supply, driving the growth of alternative models such as Airbnb, especially in urban and cultural settings. 

In 2025, global tourism emerged as the fastest-growing sector, reaching $11.6 trillion. It grew by 4.1%, compared with 2.8% for the global economy, and currently accounts for 9.8% of global GDP.  

Mexico reflects this momentum: it welcomed 47.8 million international tourists, a 6.1% increase compared to 2024, exceeding the global average. This growth rate is expected to remain around 6% annually through 2030. 

Tourism in Mexico is concentrated mainly in certain states. Quintana Roo leads the way with 20–22 million visitors annually, followed by Mexico City with 14–15 million, standing out as an urban and cultural destination. Baja California Sur receives nearly 4 million visitors, while Jalisco and Nayarit are experiencing rapid growth driven by luxury tourism developments. 

The Mexican hotel market is one of the largest in the world, with more than 27,000 hotels and 900,000 rooms, and an average occupancy rate of 60% to 65%. It is a fragmented market with a presence of international chains, domestic groups, and independent operators. 

It is divided into three main segments: beach destinations, which are highly profitable but capital-intensive; cities, which have high demand and a steady flow of visitors; and cultural destinations, the smallest but fastest-growing segment, due to a preference for authentic experiences. 

In this context, Airbnb has gained prominence. It operates in more than 1,200 destinations in Mexico with approximately 240,000 listings. Over the past five years, it has grown by more than 140%, with a CAGR of 18%–20%, compared to 2% for the hotel sector. 

In Mexico City, Airbnb has an average occupancy rate of 70% and generated $1.2 billion in 2024. There are approximately 22,000 active listings, concentrated mainly in the Cuauhtémoc, Miguel Hidalgo, and Benito Juárez districts, where high levels of profitability and demand are observed. 

In addition, companies specializing in short-term property management have emerged, streamlining operations through services such as marketing, pricing, maintenance, and guest management. 

By 2030, the hotel sector is expected to continue dominating beach destinations with a focus on luxury, but to neglect the urban segment, creating opportunities for Airbnb. At the same time, the real estate market in Mexico City will trend toward hybrid developments that combine sales, long-term rentals, and digital platform operations, driven by growing demand and hotel regulations.

Francisco Pulido 
Investment Analyst, Mexico