Mexico is preparing for a busy 2026 summer vacation season, with the Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR) projecting that 22.4 million tourists will stay in hotels between July 20 and August 30. The forecast represents a 5.6% increase over last summer and reflects continued confidence in the country’s tourism industry.
National hotel occupancy is expected to average 65% during the holiday period, supported by strong demand for beach resorts, cultural attractions, and major cities. Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez said the outlook highlights the sector’s growing role in supporting economic activity while benefiting communities across the country.
Among the destinations analyzed by SECTUR, Morelia is expected to see the fastest growth, with hotel arrivals projected to climb 26.8% compared to the 2025 summer season. Mérida follows with an anticipated increase of 23.4%, while Acapulco is forecast to welcome 20% more hotel guests as the city continues its recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Los Cabos is expected to record an 8.7% increase in visitors, while Mexico City, Puebla, and the Riviera Maya are each projected to grow by 3%. Monterrey could see a 2.3% rise in hotel tourists.
Mexico’s established tourism destinations are also expected to post steady gains. Hotel arrivals are forecast to increase by 1.7% in Cancún, 1.2% in Guadalajara, and 1.1% in Puerto Vallarta.
Cancún is expected to lead the country in hotel occupancy this summer at 67.9%, followed by Puerto Vallarta at 64.4% and Morelia at 63.1%.
The latest projections build on a strong 2025 summer season, when 21.46 million tourists stayed in Mexican hotels, a 4.5% increase over the previous year. National hotel occupancy reached 63%, while tourism consumption totaled MX$829 billion, up 6.3% year over year.
International tourism has contributed to the sector’s momentum. During the first quarter of 2026, Mexico welcomed 26.22 million international visitors, a 10.2% increase from the same period last year. Of those, 12.66 million were overnight international tourists, up 6.7%, while March set new records with 9.37 million international visitors and 4.49 million international tourists.
Mexico closed 2025 with 47.8 million international tourists, exceeding its 2019 total by 6%, while domestic travelers continue to account for the majority of hotel stays during national holiday periods, providing important support for hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, retailers, and other tourism businesses.
To support travelers during the busy vacation season, the Ángeles Verdes roadside assistance program will operate along 233 routes serving popular destinations and Pueblos Mágicos throughout the country. https://banderasnews.com/
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