Mexico's tourism sector is on the rise, demonstrating resilience and ambition as cities like Mexico City and Acapulco make significant strides to attract international visitors. Highlighted recently at the 2025 Vitrina Turística de la Asociación Colombiana de Agencias de Viajes y Turismo (ANATO), Mexico City showcased its vibrant tourism offerings, underscoring the city’s commitment to revitalize the industry post-pandemic.
During the event, hosted from January 20 to January 22, officials engaged in over 500 meetings with stakeholders, including tour operators and business associations, to strengthen ties and boost tourism from Colombia, the second-largest source of international visitors after the United States. With recent estimates projecting a 30% increase, the Mexican government aims to attract more tourists from Colombia, resulting from collaborative efforts to promote new flight routes to major cities like Cartagena and Cali.
Clara Brugada, the Mayor of Mexico City, emphasized the capital's rich cultural heritage, commemorated by the 700th anniversary of the founding of Tenochtitlán. The city’s diverse offerings span historical sites, culinary experiences, and vibrant entertainment, all of which contribute to its growing popularity as a global tourism destination. The inclusion of big international events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the upcoming 2026 World Cup only adds to its allure.
Simultaneously, Acapulco, another key player in Mexico's tourism, continues its recovery with the reinauguration of the “Hotel Princess Acapulco Mundo Imperial,” which is pivotal for both local employment and visitor accommodation. Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, Secretary of Tourism, noted, "Acapulco está más vivo que nunca," reflecting optimism about the port's revitalization. The recent reopening brings the total number of available hotel rooms to approximately 14,000, with plans for even more to be operational before the busy Semana Santa vacation period.
According to the latest data from Acapulco’s tourism office, the area achieved an impressive hotel occupancy rate of 82.9% over the recent weekend. Events such as the Abierto Mexicano de Tenis are instrumental not just for drawing crowds but for enhancing economic circulation, which benefits local businesses significantly. Rodríguez Zamora pointed to the impactful economic return from each international event, asserting, "the quality of service makes tourists leave saying Mexico is grandioso, Mexico is trending."
The enduring appeal of Acapulco is fortified through continued investment, highlighted by the Governor of Guerrero, Evelyn Salgado Pineda, who announced more than 1,200 million pesos allocated for infrastructure improvements following aftereffects from recent hurricanes. She passionately remarked on how tourism reflects cultural identity and community resilience, remarking, "If something distinguishes Acapulco, it’s our ability to rise and rebuild, driven by unity and our love for our land.”
Events like the ANATO 2025 not only expand Mexico’s tourism reach but also build bonds between the nation and its regional counterparts. This synergy is seen as imperative for mutual growth, allowing sharing the richness of Mexico City and Acapulco on international platforms.
Looking forward, the cooperation between the government and the private sector is expected to escalate, aiming not only to recover but significantly grow the tourism sector. With the foundation laid through recent promotional efforts, the Mexican tourism industry demonstrates its readiness to welcome international travelers back, signaling optimism for the near future.
Strategies like strengthening route availability, enhancing customer service, and capitalizing on international events reflect the dedication to promoting Mexico as not just a travel destination, but as vibrant experiences flooded with warmth, culture, and history.
Through these united efforts, Mexico is positioning not only to recover but also to thrive as a leading tourism hub, with hopes for increased influxes of visitors, all eager to experience the country's offerings, rich heritage, and resilient spirit.