Merida, Yucatan — With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, hoteliers in Yucatan are raising concerns about what they call unfair competition from digital platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, demanding equal regulatory conditions for all tourism service providers.
The Mexican Hotel Association of Yucatan (AMHY) reiterated its longstanding position on the lack of regulation for these accommodation platforms, noting that many operate without meeting tax obligations or basic standards for safety, health, and service quality.
AMHY president Juan José Martín Pacheco said the association has already raised the issue with Merida Mayor Cecilia Patrón and Yucatan Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena, seeking clear rules to ensure fair competition.
“Just as the hotel sector is required to comply with zoning permits, operating licenses, civil protection standards, and health inspections, those operating on digital platforms must also meet these requirements,” he said.
As one of the world’s biggest sporting events approaches, Yucatan’s tourism sector is preparing for high demand. Despite the competitive landscape, hoteliers expect to reach an average occupancy rate of 70% during the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The state currently has more than 17,000 hotel rooms available, aiming to attract both domestic and international visitors in a market increasingly diversified by alternative lodging options.
In response, the hotel industry has intensified staff training across various areas to improve service standards and enhance visitor experiences.
Promotional strategies are expected to be announced in late May to encourage longer stays, with the goal of keeping tourists in the state for up to seven days during their visit to Mexico.
Business leaders identified security perception as a key factor in attracting visitors, noting that Yucatan maintains favorable conditions compared to other regions of Mexico, giving it a competitive advantage internationally.
However, they acknowledged that incidents in other states could impact Mexico’s overall tourism image, making it necessary to strengthen promotion of Yucatan’s geographical advantages.
The 2026 World Cup presents both an opportunity to boost tourism in Yucatan and pressure to resolve the pending issue of digital platform regulation, creating a more balanced market for all sector participants.
Discover more from Riviera Maya News & Events
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.