The growth of tourism in Mexico depends on the interaction of three fundamental factors: air connectivity, tourism investment, and tourism demand. Although the country has competitive advantages, established infrastructure, and an internationally recognized tourism offering, it also faces challenges that require coordination among the industry’s various stakeholders.
During the AMDETUR 2026 Congress, Cuitláhuac Gutiérrez (CANAERO and Aeroméxico), Richard Katzman (HVS Mexico), and Jorge del Castillo (Expedia Group), moderated by Tere Solís (Deloitte), shared perspectives from aviation, hotel investment, tourism distribution, and consulting to analyze the factors driving Mexico’s competitiveness and tourism development.
Air Connectivity: Infrastructure and Access to Destinations
Air connectivity is essential for tourism development, but it does not depend solely on flight availability. Flight frequencies, fares, airport infrastructure, and the traveler experience also influence the competitiveness of destinations.
During the panel, participants discussed the main challenges facing Mexican airlines, including rising fuel costs, delays in aircraft deliveries, and airport capacity constraints, particularly in Mexico City.
The experts noted that although there is demand for additional routes and flight frequencies, operational and regulatory limitations hinder expansion. Strengthening infrastructure and improving coordination across the airport system are essential to support tourism growth.
Tourism Investment: Growth and New Opportunities
Mexico has an established tourism investment market, supported by financing instruments and a track record of hotel development in its leading destinations.
The panelists highlighted investors’ interest in acquiring assets in established markets such as Cancún, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, as well as opportunities in luxury segments, branded residences, and projects that integrate hospitality and vacation ownership.
However, they also noted greater caution regarding entirely new developments due to risks, execution timelines, and prevailing market conditions.
The discussion emphasized that growth in tourism supply must be accompanied by infrastructure, connectivity, and regional planning. Emerging destinations such as Puerto Escondido, La Paz, Oaxaca, and Valle de Guadalupe offer opportunities, but require development aligned with their characteristics and capacities.
Tourism Demand: New Trends and Competitiveness
Mexico remains an attractive destination for international travelers, but faces increasing competition from destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.
From Expedia Group’s perspective, one of the challenges is converting travel interest and searches into actual bookings through promotional, distribution, and pricing strategies that respond to consumer behavior.
New Opportunities: Events, Generations, and Technology
The panel also examined the opportunities created by events such as the FIFA World Cup, concerts, festivals, and sporting events. Their ability to attract visitors depends on advance planning, coordination among tourism stakeholders, and an appropriate pricing strategy.
Another relevant topic was the transformation of travel habits across generations. Social media, digital channels, and artificial intelligence are changing how consumers discover destinations and make decisions, making it necessary to adapt messaging and promotional strategies to each segment.
In line with the global perspective presented during the WTTC’s Global Tourism Outlook conference, the panel emphasized that Mexico’s tourism potential does not depend on a single factor. To maintain its competitiveness and capitalize on new opportunities, air connectivity, tourism investment, and demand must advance in a coordinated manner, supported by planning that promotes the sustainable development of destinations.
