WHY 2026 IS SHAPING UP TO BE A DEFINING YEAR FOR MEXICO
February 5, 2026
Mexico is heading into 2026 with strong momentum and a sense of readiness. Ongoing investments in infrastructure, hospitality and sustainability are shaping a destination that feels more connected, more thoughtful and more prepared to welcome travelers across a wide range of interests and travel styles.
Access is improving in key regions. The long-awaited expansion of Puerto Vallarta International Airport is moving closer to completion, while the Tepic–Riviera Nayarit Airport is emerging as an alternative gateway to the Pacific coast. Together, these developments make it easier to reach quieter beach towns, explore inland areas and enjoy a smoother arrival experience overall.
Global visibility will increase further in 2026 as Mexico co-hosts the FIFA World Cup, with matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Major events of this scale often spark broader interest in surrounding regions, drawing travelers who want to pair the excitement of the tournament with cultural, culinary and leisure experiences beyond the stadiums.
At the same time, new hotel openings and thoughtful renovations continue to refresh destinations like Los Cabos, Cancún and the Riviera Maya. Alongside growing sustainability initiatives and a shift toward more immersive experiences, these changes reflect a destination evolving with care — one that remains familiar and beloved, while offering new reasons to return.
Two of Hilton’s luxury Riviera Maya resorts are adding new all-inclusive experiences, bringing greater flexibility and personalized stays to the Mexican Caribbean.
New seasonal flights from Canada and the United States will make it easier for international travelers to reach Tulum during the 2026–27 winter season.
Hyatt is entering the final months of 2026 with a growing collection of luxury properties across some of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations. From the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur to the Caribbean shoreline of the Riviera Maya and the cultural heart of Mexico City, the company is expanding its portfolio with distinctive properties designed around their individual settings and guest experiences. The Park Hyatt brand is at the center of this growth. Following the opening of Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol in December 2025, Park Hyatt Riviera Maya is expected to open by the end of 2026 as the brand’s first all-inclusive property worldwide. Park Hyatt Mexico City Polanco, a 155-room hotel overlooking Chapultepec Park, is expected to welcome guests in spring 2027. Together, the three properties offer very different ways to experience Mexico, from coastal escapes to an urban cultural stay. Hyatt’s expansion also includes Alila Mayakoba, which opened earlier this year within the Mayakoba complex. Set across 60 acres of beach, lagoon, and jungle, the resort combines wellness, locally inspired design, and a strong connection to the Yucatán Peninsula. Meanwhile, three new Grand Hyatt resorts—Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman, Grand Hyatt Cancun, and Grand Hyatt Los Cabos—are scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026, with Cancún and Los Cabos introducing all-inclusive experiences to the Grand Hyatt portfolio. For planners, this growing portfolio creates even more possibilities for designing programs around different sides of Mexico. Whether a group is looking for a sophisticated urban experience, a secluded Caribbean setting, or the landscapes and culture of Baja, Destination Mexico can help bring these new properties together with the authentic experiences, local connections, and seamless logistics that make a program truly memorable
This beautifully restored 1920s mansion brings intimate luxury, local character, and a taste of contemporary Roma Norte to Mexico City. DMC Destination Mexico
After 38 years of dedication, passion, and tireless work, Lourdes Crossley, our Managing Director and co-founder of Destination Mexico, retired at the end of July, bringing to a close an extraordinary chapter in the history of our company.
The opening of Amanvari marks a new chapter for Los Cabos, showcasing the growing appeal of Baja's East Cape as one of Mexico's most exclusive luxury destinations.
Hilton and Fuerte Group Hotels are introducing the Amàre brand to Mexico, bringing a new Mediterranean-inspired luxury experience to Cancún in 2026.
Kimpton El Castelar Polanco blends historic architecture with contemporary luxury, adding a distinctive new stay to one of Mexico City's most vibrant neighborhoods.
Mexico strengthens its position as one of the Americas' leading destinations for international meetings and conventions, reflecting the country's growing...
