Mexico is preparing for a pivotal year in tourism in 2026, driven by a strategic international agenda aimed at strengthening the country’s global profile and positioning tourism as a key driver of economic and social development, according to Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez Zamora.
“2026 will be a historic year for tourism in Mexico,” she added, emphasizing that the sector has become “one of the main generators of development and well-being for the country.”
Rodríguez Zamora explained that tourism plays a central role in job creation, investment attraction, and the international projection of Mexico’s cultural, natural and creative assets. “Tourism is the sector of good news,” she said.
The international calendar will begin in January with Mexico’s participation as Guest Country at FITUR 2026, to be held from January 21 to 25 in Madrid, Spain. “This participation will allow us to comprehensively showcase the country’s cultural, culinary, and tourism wealth,” Rodríguez Zamora continued.
For the first time, all 32 Mexican states will be represented in a delegation of more than 800 participants, featured in what authorities describe as the largest Latin American stand at the fair. “Cultural, artistic, and culinary presentations will be carried out throughout the year,” she added.
Another central pillar of the agenda will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mexico will host 13 matches, including the opening ceremony at Mexico City’s main stadium. “This event represents a historic opportunity to show the world Mexico’s identity, talent and tourism potential,” Rodríguez Zamora said.
She noted that the tournament is expected to attract more than 5.5 million additional visitors and to stimulate investment and employment across the tourism sector.
In April 2026, Acapulco will host the 50th edition of the Tianguis Turístico, Mexico’s most important tourism trade show. “The return of the Tianguis to the destination where it was born represents a milestone for Acapulco’s economic and tourism recovery,” the minister said.
The year will conclude in November with the first edition of ITB Americas, scheduled for November 10–12 in Guadalajara. This event will consolidate Mexico as a strategic meeting point for the tourism industry in the Americas.
“With this strategic agenda, Mexico closes the year with a clear direction and a vision for the future,” she said, adding that tourism will remain “one of the country’s main engines of economic and social development”.
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