Mexico tourism rebounds after 2026 World Cup, campaign urges repeat visits

Tourist numbers to Mérida have begun to recover following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, said Israel López García, president of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Food Industry in Yucatán (Canirac). He noted a modest increase in arrivals last week and expects the summer vacation period to bring a 10‑20% rise in restaurant activity along the Yucatán coast, after a slowdown during the tournament.

The Mexican government launched the "Vinieron por el Mundial, volverán por México" campaign to convert the 5.5 million foreign visitors who came for the World Cup—generating over US$3 billion in spending—into repeat tourists across all 32 states. The initiative will be promoted through digital platforms, embassies and tourism partners, aiming to sustain the international exposure and boost inbound tourism in the years after the event.