New Mexico tourism continues to draw thousands of visitors from around the world. A leading travel research firm reported that more international travelers visited the state last year.
According to Tourism Economics, New Mexico welcomed about 10,000 more international visitors in 2025 than in 2024. That marked a 1.1 percent increase. An estimated 760,000 international travelers visited New Mexico in 2025, the Tourism Department said.
Federal policy shifts and global economic conditions created challenges for tourism across the U.S. Despite these hurdles, the state exceeded the national average in several key tourism performance indicators in 2025.
New Mexico’s international visitation increased year over year even as foreign visitors to the U.S. declined. The U.S. Travel Association reported a 5.5 percent drop in international visits nationwide.
“The country as a whole faced a number of challenges to tourism growth in 2025, but New Mexico was able to defy the national trend thanks to informed marketing strategy and dynamic partnerships,” said Acting Tourism Secretary Lancing Adams. “We will continue to position New Mexico as a welcoming and worthy destination for leisure travel, which is what travelers across the globe are seeking in 2026.”
Meanwhile, New Mexico also recovered faster than the national average as tourism rebounded after the pandemic.
U.S. Travel Association data shows that domestic travel nationwide has grown 3 percent since 2019. New Mexico saw a 9 percent increase over the same period. International travel to the U.S. fell 14 percent from 2019, while travel to New Mexico grew 12 percent.
New Mexico welcomed 41.6 million visitors in 2025, who spent an estimated $8.8 billion directly in the state.
The report also found that visitors spent more on food and drinks, retail, and recreation in 2025 than in 2024. The increase shows that travelers continue to prioritize outdoor activities and dining in New Mexico.
