Published on February 1, 2026
San Antonio has joined New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, and other cities in facing a significant decline in Mexican tourist arrivals last year. This trend highlights broader shifts in travel patterns, driven by rising travel costs, competition from other U.S. cities, and the appeal of more affordable, accessible destinations. While cities like San Antonio, with its historic sites and cultural connections, have long attracted Mexican visitors, the growing preference for closer and budget-friendly options is reshaping the tourism landscape. This decline reflects the need for U.S. cities to adapt their tourism strategies to maintain their appeal in a changing travel market.

San Antonio, TX: The Alamo City Sees Fewer Mexican Visitors

San Antonio, often considered the cultural heart of Texas, experienced a 4.24% decline in Mexican tourist arrivals in 2025. Known for the historic Alamo, vibrant riverwalk, and strong ties to Mexican culture, San Antonio has long been a top destination for Mexican visitors. However, increasing travel costs, along with the ease of visiting other nearby U.S. cities like Houston or Austin, has led to fewer Mexicans making the trip. The appeal of San Antonio’s history and vibrant festivals like Fiesta isn’t enough to counter the growing preference for closer, more affordable travel options. In addition, the U.S.’s complex visa process continues to be a hurdle, deterring potential tourists. The city’s tourism board could work to reignite interest by offering special promotions, showcasing the shared cultural heritage, and collaborating with airlines to offer more affordable flight options. If San Antonio can recapture the attention of Mexican travelers, it could bounce back from this decline.

New York, NY: A Big Apple with Fewer Mexican Tourists

New York, long a magnet for international travelers, has seen a notable 12.17% decline in Mexican tourist arrivals in 2025, compared to the previous year. For decades, the city’s iconic landmarks—such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Broadway—have attracted Mexican visitors, making it one of the most popular U.S. destinations for those crossing the border. However, the drop in arrivals is a reflection of the broader shifts in global travel patterns. Rising travel costs, visa complications, and an increasing preference for more affordable and accessible destinations have made it harder for many Mexican tourists to make the long haul to the Big Apple. In addition, the appeal of closer, more budget-friendly U.S. cities, like those in California and Texas, is proving to be more attractive for short-term vacations. While New York will always have its charm, it needs to offer new, tailored experiences to Mexican visitors, such as cultural events and promotions, to recover from the decline.

Chicago, IL: Windy City Faces a Breezy Decline in Mexican Arrivals

Chicago, known for its stunning architecture, deep-dish pizza, and rich cultural heritage, also witnessed a decline in Mexican tourist arrivals, dropping by 7.16% in 2025. While the city has historically drawn visitors from Mexico for its vibrant arts scene, sports culture, and shopping, the changing dynamics of international travel are reshaping how Mexicans explore the U.S. The rise in travel costs and airfare prices, combined with a preference for more budget-friendly options, is keeping many Mexican tourists closer to home or heading to cities with a larger Mexican diaspora, like Los Angeles and Houston. The draw of Chicago’s museums and theaters may not be enough to counter the financial pressures faced by travelers. Additionally, the city’s cold winters can deter those looking for more temperate climates in the U.S. To reverse this trend, Chicago may need to find new ways to cater to Mexican tourists, like offering more affordable travel packages or emphasizing the city’s food scene, which aligns closely with Mexican culinary tastes.

Atlanta, GA: Southern Hospitality Fails to Keep Mexican Tourists Coming

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Atlanta, Georgia, a city famed for its southern hospitality and pivotal role in American history, saw a 6.19% dip in Mexican tourist arrivals in 2025. Despite its appeal as the host of major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Atlanta is increasingly being passed over by Mexican tourists in favor of more easily accessible or economically viable options. The city’s role as a transportation hub in the Southeast is no longer enough to keep tourists flowing in. Instead, rising travel expenses and the appeal of other major cities like Miami or even New Orleans, which offer similar experiences with a more tropical climate, have drawn attention away from Atlanta. To boost its appeal to Mexican tourists, the city could promote its history, culture, and burgeoning food scene more effectively, offering targeted campaigns to engage this important demographic.

Houston, TX: The Lone Star State’s Struggle to Maintain Mexican Tourism

Houston, Texas, home to world-class museums, space history, and a dynamic culinary scene, saw a 5.15% decrease in Mexican tourist arrivals in 2025. While the city is a major hub for business and tourism due to its proximity to Mexico and strong economic ties, it has failed to attract as many visitors from across the border as it once did. Part of the decline can be attributed to the rapid rise in airfare and hotel prices, which have deterred many Mexican tourists who might otherwise have considered Houston a short getaway. Furthermore, with the growth of other Texan cities such as Dallas and Austin offering similar attractions with easier access, Houston’s dominance is slipping. The city must find ways to re-engage Mexican tourists by leveraging its proximity to Mexico and emphasizing experiences unique to the region—such as its diverse culture and cuisine—to entice more visitors from across the border. Without these efforts, the decline in Mexican tourism could continue.

Dallas, TX: A Drop in Texas Tourism Amid Rising Competition

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Dallas, Texas, saw a slight decline in Mexican tourist arrivals in 2025, with a 0.80% drop, which may seem small but reflects a shift in travel preferences. Dallas has always been a hub for Mexican visitors due to its proximity, shopping districts, and cultural ties. However, with increased competition from cities like Houston and San Antonio, which offer similar attractions and easier travel access, Dallas has seen fewer visitors from Mexico. The rising cost of flights and accommodations is likely to blame, as Mexican tourists look for more cost-effective destinations in the U.S. The city’s once-thriving tourism industry is now feeling the pressure, with fewer visitors opting to experience Dallas’s famous food scene or sports culture. To reverse this trend, Dallas needs to highlight its unique offerings and work on creating targeted marketing campaigns aimed specifically at Mexican travelers, offering discounts and special packages to make it an affordable and enticing destination once more.

U.S. Tourism: Evolving Trends and Challenges

U.S. tourism has seen significant shifts in recent years, influenced by factors such as rising travel costs, visa complexities, and the growing appeal of regional destinations. While major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami have long been top choices for international visitors, competition from other countries and U.S. cities has intensified. Countries that once saw strong flows of tourists to the U.S., such as Mexico, China, and South Korea, are increasingly opting for more affordable and accessible travel options closer to home. As a result, the U.S. must rethink its tourism strategies, focusing on enhancing visitor experiences, streamlining visa processes, and offering more cost-effective travel packages to remain a top global destination.

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San Antonio joins New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, and other cities in facing a significant decline in Mexican tourist arrivals last year. Rising travel costs, regional competition, and accessibility issues are driving this shift.
In conclusion, San Antonio joins New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, and other cities in facing a significant decline in Mexican tourist arrivals last year. This shift is primarily driven by rising travel costs, increased competition from nearby cities, and the growing preference for more accessible destinations. As cities adapt to these changing travel trends, it will be crucial for them to reassess their strategies to attract Mexican visitors, focusing on affordability, cultural connections, and unique experiences to reverse the decline and maintain their tourism appeal.

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Tags: Mexican tourists, tourism competition, travel trends, U.S. tourism decline

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