Aeroméxico, CDMX Tourism Boost City’s 2026 World Cup Profile

Aeroméxico and the Mexico City Tourism Promotion Trust signed a letter of intent at FITUR 2026 in Madrid to jointly promote the Mexican capital as a global destination ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The agreement emphasizes air connectivity, international visibility, and coordinated tourism campaigns during a year expected to drive higher inbound travel. The tournament will be hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

The document was signed by Carlos Martínez Velázquez, CEO, Tourism Promotion Trust, and Giancarlo Mulinelli, Aeroméxico’s senior vice president of global sales, with Mexico City Tourism Secretary Alejandra Frausto Guerrero attending as a witness. The partnership was formalized during the International Tourism Trade Fair, one of the industry’s main global events.

“The signing of this instrument reaffirms the commitment of both institutions to promote air connectivity, international visibility, and the positioning of Mexico City as a global destination prepared to welcome the world at a key moment for its tourism projection,” the city government said.

Under the agreement, both parties will explore joint destination marketing initiatives, promotional campaigns, and coordination on air connectivity, aiming to strengthen Mexico City’s role as a tourism and cultural hub in Latin America. The partnership leverages Aeroméxico’s route network and the city’s position as an international gateway.

The alliance forms part of preparations for the influx of visitors expected during the 2026 World Cup, during which Mexico City will host matches and related events. Authorities emphasized that airline connectivity is central to the city’s readiness, alongside accommodation and visitor services.

Officials said the agreement also reflects a long-term strategy that positions tourism as a driver of economic activity and employment. Aeroméxico has expanded its network in support of this strategy, adding routes in 2025 from Mexico City International Airport to destinations including Cali, Punta Cana, Philadelphia, Panama City, Barcelona, and Phoenix.

At the federal level, tourism policy is similarly focused on leveraging the World Cup to strengthen Mexico’s global profile. During FITUR 2026, Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodríguez Zamora held meetings aimed at reinforcing connectivity, investment, and destination promotion. “In a context marked by the upcoming 2026 World Cup and growing interest from the European market, we are preparing to make a qualitative leap with investment, coordination, and an international vision,” Rodríguez Zamora said.

Officials noted that international arrival trends and the recovery of air connectivity support increased coordination with airlines as Mexico prepares for the global event. Private airport groups and domestic carriers are bracing for a surge in demand linked to the tournament. Monex projected passenger growth of 3.9% at ASUR and 5.1% at both GAP and OMA, driven by route expansion, traffic recovery, and event-related tourism.