Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The 2026 edition of Gala Cozumel brought together hoteliers and commercial partners to strengthen strategic alliances, promote the destination, and consolidate new tourism growth opportunities for the island.
Now in its 36th year, Gala Cozumel has evolved from a gesture of gratitude from the hotel sector to its commercial partners into a key platform for destination promotion and hotel product consolidation in various markets, said Isela Valenzuela Jiménez, manager of the Cozumel Hotel Association (AHCZM).
The event dates back to the late 1980s, after a hurricane severely hit the island. At that time, tour operators who also owned airlines launched campaigns and promotions that enabled a quick economic recovery. The alliance between hoteliers and operators gave rise to a tradition that continues today.
Valenzuela recalled that the gala has become an annual meeting where participants review numbers, trends, and market strategies, as well as showcase hotel renovations and new services.
“It is essential that commercial partners experience the destination firsthand to sell it better,” she said.
The 2026 edition gathered 28 commercial partners and nearly 100 participants, including sales representatives and general managers. Over three days, they consolidated strategic alliances and generated new opportunities to increase visitor arrivals.
Hoteliers and tour operators reviewed market strategies and trends during the annual meeting. AHCZM President Beatriz Tinajero Tarriba highlighted that the success of Gala Cozumel results from coordinated work among hotels, commercial partners, and institutions. Plans are already underway for 2027, with campaigns spanning from Buen Fin and Cyber Monday to fall and winter sporting events.
“The future of Cozumel will not depend solely on how many people visit it, but on how many people fall in love with it enough to protect it,” Tinajero said.
The host hotels — Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa, Secrets Aura Cozumel, Casa Mexicana Cozumel, and Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa — received special recognition for their hospitality and support in organizing the event.
