On the occasion of International LGBTTTQI+ Pride Day, June 28, Mexican Minister of Tourism Josefina Rodríguez Zamora reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting tourism that is free from discrimination, safe, respectful, and inclusive.
In this context, she highlighted actions undertaken as part of the agreement signed with Queer Destinations aimed at positioning Mexico as a leader in LGBTQ+ tourism by developing safe and inclusive destinations that boost the national economy.
Among these efforts, she emphasized the launch of the Hospitality Meets Diversity course, which expands the Ministry of Tourism’s (Sectur) training programs in this segment, addressing topics such as intersectional diversity, inclusive internal practices, visual language, accessibility, and more.
She also reported that secretaries of tourism from 26 states without certification, as well as a large group of tourism service providers, were encouraged to participate in the sensitization talk Potential of LGBTQ+ Tourism in the Current Social Context, aiming to train both public servants and private sector operators.
The Minister noted that Mexico currently has seven destinations certified with the Queer Destinations Committed distinction: Los Cabos, Mexico City, Yucatán, Oaxaca, Acapulco, Nayarit, and Baja California. In addition, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, Acapulco, and Sonora are in the process of obtaining the certification.
She explained that this distinction is granted to destinations and companies that demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and safety for this population segment after completing a training and adaptation process designed to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all travelers.
Rodríguez Zamora noted that, according to UNWTO, 3.5 million LGBTTTQI+ tourists visit Mexico annually, spending an estimated US7.8 billion, equivalent to 10 percent of national tourism revenue. She added that travelers in this segment spend 60 percent more than the average tourist and that the market is growing 10.3 percent annually.
She mentioned that the destinations with the highest influx from this sector include Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Oaxaca, Acapulco, San Miguel de Allende, Veracruz, Riviera Nayarit, and Michoacán.
The Minister of Tourism added that Mexico is the second country worldwide with the most LGBTTTQI+ pride events, with Mexico City; Cancún-Playa del Carmen-Tulum; Guadalajara; and Puerto Vallarta leading the annual celebration agenda for this community.
She emphasized that the tourism sector has significantly contributed to increased acceptance over the last decade through innovation in tourism products and continuous training for value chain members, especially regarding human rights, with resistance to discriminatory practices in various destinations.
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