Mara Lezama presents Quintana Roo's promotional strategy for the 2026 World Cup

Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa presented the work plan and strategy for promoting the Mexican Caribbean region leading up to the World Cup. Quintana Roo will be the official host for the first time in history, having been selected by FIFA to host Cancún as the base camp for two international teams competing for the Cup.

During the meeting with the business and tourism sector, "The Mexican Caribbean on the Road to the 2026 World Cup," Governor Mara Lezama emphasized that this achievement "confirms what we are capable of when we work together with a clear purpose." She therefore called for action to be taken to ensure all visitors have a great experience from the moment they step off the plane.

He emphasized that this designation "fills us with pride, but also commits us to continue transforming tourism with well-being, social justice, and a vision for the future," while recognizing the efforts of thousands of people who make Quintana Roo shine for the world: from those who prepare rooms to those who care for beaches, airports, and visitor safety.

"They are the hands and hearts that give meaning to tourism and reflect the spirit of Quintana Roo," he said.

Governor Mara Lezama emphasized that the World Cup will bring unprecedented international exposure, and therefore urged everyone to positively protect the state's image and join us in this watershed for the love of Quintana Roo and the wonderful destinations on which thousands and thousands of people depend.

The Governor explained that the State Government, in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ), is implementing a comprehensive plan with a vision and strategy that encompasses promotion, infrastructure, connectivity, training, and security.

Among the actions are the strengthening of airports, road improvements, expansion of hotel offerings to international standards, and professionalization and certification programs for workers in the sector.

Likewise, a special operational plan is being coordinated with municipalities, security forces, and hotel associations to ensure safe mobility, service, and tourist experiences during the World Cup. At the same time, the CPTQ is designing international campaigns focused on sports and cultural tourism that will showcase the natural wealth and diversity of destinations in the Mexican Caribbean.

"In this new way of governing, we have demonstrated that a humanist government with a feminist heart can transform economic development into well-being for families. And it is confirmation that when transformation is lived with honesty and hard work, the results are felt in every community," explained the head of the Executive Branch.

Finally, the Governor assured that Quintana Roo will not only welcome the world, but will also showcase its soul: "With the strength of our people, the Mexican Caribbean will be the heart of the 2026 World Cup and will demonstrate that in Mexico and Quintana Roo, transformation is advancing."

During the presentation, Bernardo Cueto, Secretary of Tourism, and Andrés Martínez, director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ), shared details of the project "Mexican Caribbean, towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup," which aims to boost the state's tourism competitiveness, strengthen air connectivity, and build partnerships with the hotel sector and service providers to create vacation packages and unique experiences for visitors before, during, and after the World Cup.

They affirmed that the recognition granted by FIFA represents the first time in history that Quintana Roo will be a base camp for World Cup teams, consolidating the Mexican Caribbean as a world-class tourist and sports destination.

It was also reported that the national teams that will host the state will be announced in December of this year, once the official game schedule has been defined by FIFA.

The project is part of a comprehensive strategy that seeks to promote sports tourism, generate economic benefits and jobs, and enhance Quintana Roo's international image.

Highlights include organizing Fan Fest events, international promotional campaigns, and workshops to ensure the safety and well-being of fans.

It was specified that the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada, represents a historic economic event, with an estimated 65 billion pesos in economic impact, 5.5 million additional tourists projected for the country, more than 24,000 jobs created, and revenue exceeding $1 billion in hotels, restaurants, air transportation, and tourism activities.

Representatives from UNICEF, Fairmont Mayakoba, Grupo Palace Resorts, Grupo Xcaret, CCE, CANIRAC, the Nautical Association, AMATUR, CNET, Spirit, América Airlines, Copa Airlines, Expedia, Acluvaq, the Holbox Hotel Association, the Costa Mujeres Hotel Association, the Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Puerto Morelos Hotel Association, the Riviera Maya Hotel Association, the Mexican Caribbean Hotel Council, the Maya Train, Tulum Airport, and ASUR were present.

Also present were Verónica Lezama Espinosa, honorary president of the Quintana Roo DIF System; municipal presidents Ana Paty Peralta of Benito Juárez; Atenea Gómez Ricalde of Isla Mujeres; Representative Euterpe Gutiérrez Valasis, president of the Tourism and International Affairs Commission of the State Congress; and Julio César Gómez Torres, Secretary of Citizen Security.

Source: Government of Quintana Roo