Mexico City is positioning itself as a tourist epicenter at Tianguis Turistico 2025

Interview with Carlos Martínez Velázquez, General Director of the Mexico City Mixed Tourism Promotion Fund, as part of the 2025 Tourism Fair.

What are the goals and expectations for Mexico City's participation in the 2025 Tourism Fair?

Our participation in the Tianguis has multiple objectives. This year, we are hosting 71 suppliers and tour operators from Mexico City. We are also promoting our participation as a host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Our booth includes representative elements such as a replica of the official soccer ball, flowers from Xochimilco, urban art, and a live mural created by artists from Iztapalapa. We are also exhibiting a panoramic photograph of the Valley of Mexico showing icons such as the Azteca Stadium, the Angel of Independence, the Cablebús, and the mountains. We want to position the city as a diverse destination, with a year-round events schedule, and one that combines modernity with deep cultural roots.

What initiatives are you promoting to encourage social tourism?

A few days ago, we signed the Metropolitan Tourism Alliance with the states of Puebla, Tlaxcala, Morelos, the State of Mexico, Querétaro, and Guerrero. The goal is to promote social tourism in the central region of the country, making it easier for low-income people to travel free of charge and explore other areas. In Mexico City, this initiative is called "Hummingbird Traveler," and is designed to provide tourism experiences to those who would not normally have access, transforming tourism into a tool for integration and equity.

What international promotion plans do you have for this year?

Starting in June, we will launch an international marketing campaign focused specifically on Europe, aiming to regain some of that market. We are also seeking to consolidate our presence in Latin America, particularly in Colombia, which is our second-largest source market after the United States. We will also begin forays into Asia, starting with our participation in a trade show in Japan in September. This month, we will also attend IMEX Frankfurt, one of the most important trade shows for meeting tourism. We want to position Mexico City as a global destination, open to all cultures.

How has tourism in the city changed since the pandemic?

Traveler behavior has evolved. They are now seeking more meaningful and transformative experiences. After the pandemic, many people rediscovered Mexico City by coming to live temporarily here, taking advantage of the absence of a widespread lockdown. They discovered a vibrant city with good connectivity, excellent cuisine, a pleasant climate, and a unique cultural offering. This generated a powerful word-of-mouth response and a sustained increase in international tourism since 2021.

What figures reflect this growth in 2025?

In the first quarter of 2025, we recorded a 2.2% increase compared to the same period last year. Furthermore, March of this year broke the all-time record for tourist arrivals for that month. Tourism in Mexico City has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, which has not been the case uniformly across all states. Our capital has established itself as a constantly growing destination, both nationally and internationally.