Mexican Association of Tourist Lodging (AMVITUR) warned that hotel rates in the capital for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have surged to four times the current average, an increase that surpasses even the projected adjustments in host cities across the United States and Canada.
Data from the Lighthouse Intelligence consultancy firm shows that in those North American cities, estimated rate variations for June and July 2026 range between 55% and 92%, far below the spike seen in Mexico City.
Sean Cázares Ahearne, AMVITUR’s general director, explained that this price increase stems from atypical behavior in the local hotel market. When comparing verified rates for June of next year with those from November 2025, the increase is not reflected in other host cities, where international occupancy levels remain in the single digits, he said.
“This situation will likely lead to a lack of availability for tourists who book late—especially those traveling between host cities or without corporate packages—so short-term tourist rentals can be a strong solution,” the executive noted.
Estimates from Deloitte indicate that around 44,000 visitors will choose tourist rentals during their stay in Mexico City, representing more than 274,000 occupied nights.
This type of lodging is expected to generate a direct economic impact of nearly $87 million USD in city spending, in addition to more than $13 million USD in income for local hosts—figures that highlight its growing importance as a complement to hotel capacity.
The AMVITUR executive cautioned that hotel prices could rise again and bouts of saturation could follow once match groups and schedules are announced.
International experts recommend activating strategies that help capture last-minute bookings and allow the market to absorb excess demand outside the traditional hotel inventory,” he said.
Cázares Ahearne emphasized that tourist rentals offer flexibility, good geographical location, and immediate availability, attributes that will be crucial to preventing limited hotel capacity from resulting in negative visitor experiences.
He also noted that FIFA now recognizes this type of accommodation as an integral part of official lodging solutions.
“Tourist rentals will be essential in complementing hotel infrastructure and ensuring sufficient lodging capacity during the World Cup. They will also help distribute economic benefits beyond traditional tourist corridors.
Investing in this model will allow Mexico City—now for the third time—to consolidate itself as an efficient, competitive host city ready to welcome the world,” Cázares Ahearne concluded.
Related: Tourism in Mexico generates more jobs and surpasses pre-pandemic levels
