Mexico City Strengthens Tourism Financing for World Cup 2026

To strengthen the economic and productive foundation of its tourism sector, Mexico City’s Ministry of Tourism hosted the First Tourism Sector Financing Forum, bringing together leaders from the financial, hotel, and tourism industries. The event aimed to chart a new path toward collaboration, investment, and sustainable growth.

The forum aims to become a permanent platform for public-private dialogue and cooperation, designed to facilitate access to credit, foster business innovation, and promote formal employment. Through this initiative, Mexico City seeks to build a more competitive and resilient tourism ecosystem, capable of addressing the structural challenges of the industry and leveraging the opportunities presented by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will act as a key driver of modernization and investment.

“About 90% of tourism companies are MSMEs, and they often face significant barriers to obtaining credit. Today, we aim to change that reality, so financing becomes a lever for growth rather than an obstacle, with appropriate products, reasonable timelines, and technical support,” says Carlos Martínez, Director General, Tourism Promotion Fund (FMPT).

Martínez highlights that FMPT is advancing a long-term agenda focused on innovation, formalization, and impact measurement, ensuring the city is not only ready for the global challenge of the World Cup but also positioned to strengthen its tourism leadership in the decade ahead.

“Mexico City will not only be one of the tournament’s most iconic host cities but also a benchmark for public-private collaboration, ensuring tourism becomes a lasting economic, social, and urban legacy,” says Mexico City Minister of Tourism Alejandra Frausto.

Frausto also announced the Urban Regeneration Program around Estadio Banorte, which includes 67 infrastructure projects to improve water systems, drainage, and mobility. “We’re building a more livable, modern, and sustainable city, not only for the World Cup but for all residents,” she adds.

“The 2026 World Cup will be historic, Mexico will be the first country to host it three times, and Mexico City will host the opening match. We expect more than 5.5 million fans over 17 days, an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the country and its capital to the world,” says Ricardo Galicia, Legal Director in Mexico, FIFA.