Quintana Roo Nautical Sector Targets High-Spending Tourism

Cancún. The Nautical Association of Quintana Roo will strengthen its international promotion strategy during 2026 through participation in tourism fairs and the consolidation of sport fishing tournaments, with the goal of attracting visitors with greater purchasing power and strengthening economic spillover in the state’s main destinations.

As part of these actions, the sector is participating in the International Tourism Fair (Fitur), in coordination with the municipal and state Tourism Secretariats, to promote fishing tournaments held in the entity, as well as the wide range of nautical activities in the Mexican Caribbean.

“One of the most relevant projects is the creation of a ‘champion of champions’ of sport fishing, an event that will bring together the winners of the different tournaments held in the region and will offer a larger prize pool, with the purpose of positioning it internationally and turning it into a high-impact tourist attraction,” said Francisco Fernández, president of the association.

The date of the tournament will depend on weather conditions, particularly the northerly season, which could extend between May and June.

Sport fishing is considered elite tourism due to the high economic spillover it generates; while a traditional visitor leaves an average of 100 to 120 dollars per day, a sport fishing competitor invests around 2,000 dollars in boat rental, in addition to registration, specialized equipment, and lodging, usually accompanied by family members, which increases spending.

Currently, in Quintana Roo, at least one fishing tournament is held per port, including destinations such as Mahahual, Chetumal, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Holbox, Cancún, and Isla Mujeres.

Regarding international promotion, the nautical sector participates in three or four specialized fairs per year, mainly boat shows in strategic cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, and New Orleans, where the market of tourists who travel with their own boats is concentrated, a segment that leaves a spillover similar to or even greater than sport fishing.