Summer vacations are expected to generate a surge in tourism activity in Mexico, with an estimated 22.4 million tourists arriving at hotels between July 20 and August 30, reported Federal Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodríguez. The agency forecasts a 5.6% increase compared to the same period in 2025 and a national average hotel occupancy rate of 65%.
The Secretary stated that these projections reflect travelers’ confidence in Mexican destinations and the ongoing efforts to strengthen tourism that contributes to the well-being of local communities. She added that Morelia, Mérida, and Acapulco are projected to have the highest growth in tourist arrivals during the upcoming vacation period.
Morelia is expected to lead the growth with an estimated increase of 26.8%, followed by Mérida with 23.4%, and Acapulco with 20%, compared to the same period in 2025. Los Cabos is also projected to see an 8.7% increase. Mexico City, Puebla, and the Riviera Maya are projected to grow by 3% each. Monterrey is expected to reach 2.3%, while Cancún is projected to register 1.7%, Guadalajara 1.2%, and Puerto Vallarta 1.1%.
The Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) forecasts that the national average hotel occupancy rate will reach 65% during the season. Among the main tourist destinations, Cancún is expected to lead this indicator with 67.9% hotel occupancy. It is followed by Puerto Vallarta, with 64.4%; Morelia, with 63.1%; Monterrey, with 62.8%; Puebla, with 62.7%; and Los Cabos, with 62.5%. The Riviera Maya is projected to have a hotel occupancy rate of 61.2%, followed by Acapulco, with 60.2%; Mérida, with 58.7%; Mexico City, with 58.2%; and Guadalajara, with 57%.
As part of the 2026 Summer Vacation Operation, Rodríguez Zamora reported that the Green Angels (Ángeles Verdes) will strengthen its assistance to travelers on the country’s main highways. The agency will provide coverage on 233 highway routes, equivalent to 25,000 linear kilometers, in addition to patrolling 45,000 kilometers daily to assist national and international tourists.
The hotel sector has intensified its preventive and corrective maintenance efforts in preparation for the holiday season, taking advantage of the fact that summer occupancy is expected to remain low due to the lack of airline seats and the sargassum seaweed, stated Fernando Rodríguez, president of the Association of Maintenance Professionals of Cancún and the Riviera Maya.
Source: reportur