Yucatan and U.S. Consulate Strengthen Tourism Cooperation to Boost Air Connectivity and Cruise Arrivals

Merida, Mexico — Yucatan’s tourism authorities and the U.S. Consulate in Merida have reinforced their institutional collaboration to drive tourism development, with a focus on expanding air connectivity and cruise arrivals.

The meeting between Darío Flota Ocampo, head of the Secretariat of Tourism Development (Sefotur), and U.S. Consul General Justen A. Thomas established cooperation frameworks aligned with Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena’s vision to strengthen Yucatan’s international profile and ensure safe, high-quality experiences for visitors.

Flota Ocampo noted that the United States is a key source of air and cruise tourism, as well as investments, particularly in the audiovisual and film sectors. He detailed that Yucatan currently has direct connections with Houston, Dallas, Miami, and Orlando, totaling an average of 23 weekly flights and over 3,600 available seats.

He also highlighted that the temporary Los Angeles–Merida route, reactivated in December 2025, is projected to become permanent starting in the third quarter of 2026, expanding travel options from the U.S.

In line with efforts to diversify and strengthen tourism offerings, Flota Ocampo emphasized that the cruise industry has become a pillar of the state’s development, with the U.S. as the primary market for passengers arriving at the Port of Progreso. For 2026, officials anticipate 173 cruise ship arrivals and over 480,000 visitors, representing an estimated 14% growth compared to 2025.

U.S. tourism accounts for 16.3% of total international overnight visitors in Yucatan, alongside growing participation in audiovisual productions drawn to the state’s cultural richness, natural settings, and security conditions.

Consul General Thomas acknowledged the joint work with Sefotur to facilitate mobility and assistance for U.S. citizens, noting that the Consulate handles about 50,000 applicants annually, many of whom stay in Merida and contribute to the local economy. He added that the consular representation also supports production companies interested in filming in Yucatan by certifying security and stability conditions.

Both authorities agreed that this institutional relationship is crucial to consolidating Yucatan as a strategic destination for international tourism, in alignment with Governor Díaz Mena’s vision for sustainable, secure tourism development that benefits local communities.

According to the 2025 tourism activity report, Yucatan recorded 2,671,357 overnight visitors, an 11.3% increase from 2024. International tourism grew by 21.6% and domestic tourism by 8.7%, reflecting the impact of state government initiatives through Sefotur and its strategic partnerships with international allies like the U.S. Consulate.