Yucatán tourism down 8% as World Cup draws visitors

Official data show that tourism to Yucatán fell 8.7% in the first half of the year, with visits to archaeological sites and museums dropping compared with the same period last year. The decline was most pronounced at the flagship site Chichén Itzá, which recorded a 13.8% fall in visitor numbers.

Hotel occupancy in the state also missed expectations for June. Anticipated spikes linked to the 2026 World Cup did not materialise, with occupancy rates staying below 50% and well under the 80% average seen during Mexico’s Holy Week season. Analysts attribute the shortfall to the tournament’s spread across three countries, high travel costs and a tendency for fans to concentrate in the designated host cities.

Industry leaders expect a rebound in July and August as the event’s direct impact wanes, and are targeting the Yucatecan diaspora to revive demand for local hotels and attractions.