Mexico City authorities expect to close 2026 with a total of 65.9 million tourist arrivals — approximately double the arrivals 10 years ago — driven primarily by a packed schedule of concerts, sporting events and cultural activities that have bolstered the capital’s appeal as a travel destination.
The city’s Tourism Minister Alejandra Frausto Guerrero presented the projection during her appearance before the local Congress, as part of Mayor Clara Brugada’s second annual government report.
According to Frausto, the capital received 61.2 million tourists and visitors in 2025, compared to the 58 million recorded in late 2024 at the start of the current administration.
If the projection for this year is met, cumulative growth would have reached 13.6% between 2024 and 2026.
“Mexico City is experiencing one of its best periods for tourism,” Frausto said, which has greatly benefited the local economy.
Between January and September, tourists staying in hotels spent nearly 120 billion pesos (US $6.44 billion) — up 6% compared to the same period in 2025. Furthermore, revenue from the state lodging tax (ISH) reached 840 million pesos (US $45.1 million), an increase of 15.9%.
Entertainment events are drawing massive influxes of tourism and income
Musical performances and cultural events have become a significant driver of tourism activity in the capital, attracting both domestic and international visitors who also make use of lodging, dining and transport services.
According to Ticketmaster data cited by the newspaper El Sol de México, the musical artist The Weeknd drew an audience from 74 countries across three concerts in Mexico City, while AC/DC attracted attendees from 56 countries, also throughout three performances. Meanwhile, 43% and 41% of their respective audiences traveled from other parts of Mexico.
Frausto also highlighted the overlap of the Formula 1 Grand Prix and Day of the Dead celebrations in the capital, which boosted hotel occupancy to 92% between Oct. 30 and Nov. 1.
Finally, the tourism minister noted that the administration’s goal is to expand the positive impact of tourism across the capital’s 16 boroughs by promoting different neighborhoods, markets and original Indigenous communities, along with their cultural and culinary offerings.
With reports from El Sol de México
