Mexico City tourism economic impact 2026, Digi Mart USA News (Mexico City, Mexico): Tourism activity in Mexico City generated an economic impact of nearly 120 billion pesos between January and September 2026, according to a report presented by Tourism Secretary Alejandra Frausto during an appearance before the capital’s Congress. Lawmakers, however, said the benefits of the sector need to be distributed among the city’s 16 boroughs and that regulation of temporary accommodations should be strengthened.
Appearing before the Tourism Committee as part of the report on the Second Government Report, Frausto said the capital expects to close the year with 65.9 million tourists and visitors. That represents cumulative growth of 13.6 percent since the start of the current administration.
She said that during the first nine months of the year, the economic impact of tourists staying in hotels approached 120 billion pesos, while revenue from the Lodging Tax rose 15.9 percent to 840 million pesos, which she described as a historic record.
Frausto highlighted the impact of activities organized around the 2026 FIFA World Cup. She said the capital received 4.4 million travelers from 84 countries, generated an estimated economic impact of 66 billion pesos, and drew 12.5 million people to free activities across different points in the city.
The secretary added that organizing the tournament involved an investment of 3,987 million pesos in infrastructure, mobility and public space, funded from tourism revenue and without resorting to public debt.
On social tourism, she said the Colibrí Viajero program has benefited 981,101 people, approaching its goal of one million beneficiaries. She also reported that during the second year of government, 140,000 people received free training and 1,418 tourism businesses were certified.
During remarks by parliamentary groups, PAN deputy Frida Guillén acknowledged progress in international promotion and event organization, but called for stronger coordination with the boroughs so that tourism activities do not disrupt residents’ daily lives. She also requested information on the regulation of temporary accommodations offered through digital platforms.
PRI deputy Tania Larios said that although tourism has generated significant economic impact and job growth, strategies must be reinforced so that its benefits reach all 16 boroughs. She also proposed expanding the promotion of rural, community and sustainable tourism.
PT deputy Ernesto Villarreal Cantú warned that the sector’s growth must be accompanied by measures to protect neighborhood identity and prevent residents from being displaced, as well as create opportunities for small merchants, artisans and peripheral communities.
From Movimiento Ciudadano, Tourism Committee chair Luisa Fernanda Ledesma Alpízar proposed promoting tourist routes in the neighborhoods of Azcapotzalco, while PVEM deputy Elvia Estrada called for ensuring that tourism growth is sustainable and produces direct benefits for communities.
Morena deputy Brenda Ruiz cited the reach of free World Cup activities and the Colibrí Viajero program as examples of social tourism, arguing that access to these experiences should not be limited to those with the economic means to travel.
Lawmakers acknowledged the city’s tourism promotion strategies but agreed that one of the main challenges will be sustaining the sector’s growth without neglecting heritage, the environment and the living conditions of the people who live in the capital.
