AGP Executive Report

Live Events: Ozzfest will make its Mexico debut in Mexico City on Sept. 18, 2027, at Estadio GNP Seguros. Sharon Osbourne will curate the lineup, due to be announced in the coming months. New Attraction: VidantaWorld’s BON theme park in Nuevo Vallarta has begun a resort-guest soft opening. The $1.5 billion park plans a public opening in April 2027, with more than 20 attractions across seven themed worlds. Flight Connections: British Airways and Viva’s new codeshare will let travelers book one itinerary to 13 Mexican destinations via Mexico City or Cancún, including Guadalajara, Monterrey and Puerto Vallarta. Eligible trips can earn Avios and tier points. Resort Deals: Royalton’s Black Friday offers cover stays at resorts across Mexico and other Caribbean and Central American destinations. Its new Royalton Vessence Cancun, slated to open in March 2027, is included.

Guadalajara Disruption: Water shortages have fueled protests in eastern Guadalajara, forcing organizers to reroute the Day of the Dead parade. Residents say some neighborhoods have gone more than a month without water, while supply cuts affect about a third of the metro area. Air Connectivity: British Airways and Viva’s codeshare is set to connect travelers to 13 Mexican destinations, while United has named Chihuahua as its newest international destination. Hotel Growth: Marriott sees further expansion across the Caribbean and Latin America, including Mexico, with all-inclusive resorts, luxury properties and conversions among its priorities. Destination Spotlight: Nayarit is among the destinations tipped for 2027, and a new resort-within-a-resort is planned for Puerto Vallarta. Cultural Tourism: Tecate’s Pan de la Catrina festival drew 60,000 visitors, bringing crowds to a celebration of Día de los Muertos.

Air Connectivity: British Airways and Viva’s new codeshare will connect travelers to 13 Mexican destinations, widening options for visitors arriving from the UK. Aeroméxico carried 2.01 million passengers in October; traffic rose 0.8% year over year, while demand grew faster than capacity. Border Travel: CBP warns of intermittent lane pauses and possible delays at the Calexico West crossing on Nov. 5–6 during construction; allow extra time and check wait times before setting out. Hotel News: Amàre Cancún has opened as a Curio Collection by Hilton property, while Meliá is investing $55 million in a Paradisus Cancún renovation. Looking Ahead: Nayarit is drawing attention as a must-visit destination for 2027, and a new poll puts Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America among Canadians’ top vacation choices.

Air Connectivity: British Airways and Viva will offer single-ticket connections to 13 Mexican destinations, including Guadalajara, Monterrey and Puerto Vallarta, via Mexico City and Cancún from March 28, 2027. Eligible BA Club members can earn Avios and tier points. Border Travel: CBP warns of intermittent vehicle-lane pauses at Calexico West on Nov. 5–6 during construction. Allow extra time when crossing from Mexicali. Nayarit 2027: The state is promoting experiences beyond its beaches, from Indigenous heritage and inland food culture to wetlands and the Islas Marías; upgrades at Tepic airport are intended to improve international access. Hotel News: Cancún has welcomed the 429-room adults-only Hilton resort and Amàre Cancún, Curio Collection by Hilton, while Meliá is planning a $55 million renovation of Paradisus Cancún.

Holiday Travel: Cancun is the top international pick for U.S. Thanksgiving travelers, with San José del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta also in the top 10, according to Allianz Partners’ booking data. Air Access: Aeroméxico plans to launch Fort Lauderdale–Mexico service in January, while United will end flights to Tulum in the same month, a setback for the destination’s connectivity. Hotels & Stays: Hilton has opened a 429-room adults-only resort in Cancún, and Meliá is investing $55 million in a Paradisus Cancún renovation. Wyndham’s new Homes & Havens rental platform also includes Mexican homes and villas, with more properties expected. Culture & Outdoors: Mérida is launching Yucatán’s first international contemporary art biennial, while a new glamping escape in La Paz is promoting outdoor stays.

Hotel News: Amàre Cancún, Curio Collection by Hilton, has opened, while Meliá plans a $55 million renovation of Paradisus Cancún. Air Access: Aeroméxico plans Fort Lauderdale–Mexico flights from January, and Alaska will launch Seattle–Guadalajara service on March 18, three times a week. United, meanwhile, plans to end flights to Tulum in January. Coastal Environment: Sargassum remains a major headache for Caribbean beaches, but a Mexican startup is preparing to turn the seaweed into biodegradable packaging at a factory in Mérida. Travel Watch: Macao passport holders were reportedly denied boarding for a Mexico-bound flight in Beijing. Mexico’s consulate says it has no information of a change to visa-free entry rules for those travelers; officials are checking with the airline.

Cancún Hotels: Meliá has completed a $55 million renovation of its 773-suite Paradisus Cancún, adding wellness facilities and refreshed rooms. Hilton has also opened a 429-room adults-only resort in Cancún. New Flights: Aeroméxico will resume daily Fort Lauderdale–Mexico City service on Jan. 14, while Porter launches three weekly Toronto–Los Cabos flights on Nov. 16. United, meanwhile, plans to end all service to Tulum in January. Mexico City Events: Kimi Antonelli clinched Formula 1’s youngest-ever world title with a third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Day of the Dead celebrations also drew tourists to San Andrés Mixquic, where visitors joined local families.

Día de Muertos: Mexico City’s giant Catrina and parade drew crowds, while tourists in San Andrés Mixquic shared the streets with local families honoring their dead. Air Access: United plans to end service to Tulum in January, and American is trimming some Mexico flights this holiday season. Cancún airport Visitax kiosks have also shut amid allegations of extra fees. Resort News: Hilton has opened a 429-room adults-only resort in Cancún. Destination Watch: La Paz is gaining attention for surfing and outdoor adventure, while Los Cabos is doubling down on luxury as U.S. arrivals soften. Yucatán tourism leaders oppose a proposed increase to its nonresident visitor fee for 2027.

Day of the Dead Travel: Mexico’s celebrations drew international crowds, but overtourism is testing popular sites: authorities in Janitzio closed the cemetery to tourists after crowd damage. Mérida offers another way to experience the holiday, with Maya traditions and a candlelit “Parade of Souls.” Air Access: United plans to end service to Tulum in January, while American is trimming some Mexico flights this holiday season—check schedules before booking. New Stays and Experiences: Hilton’s adults-only Cancún resort has opened with 429 rooms, while La Paz is gaining attention for surf and adventure travel. Mexico City Events: The city paired the Grand Prix with its Day of the Dead parade on October 31, bringing two major draws together.

Day of the Dead: Mexico’s celebrations are drawing crowds, but overtourism is straining local traditions. In San Andrés Mixquic, families say visitors can crowd them out of the cemetery; authorities in Janitzio have closed its pantheon to tourists over crowd damage. Mexico City Events: The capital’s 10th Day of the Dead parade is expected to draw more than 500,000 visitors, coinciding with the Formula 1 Grand Prix and adding to a busy tourism weekend. Air Connectivity: United plans to end all service to Tulum by Jan. 4, 2027, as visitor arrivals and hotel occupancy have fallen from their 2022 peak. American Airlines is also trimming some Mexico flights this holiday season. Baja Adventures: La Paz is promoting surf and outdoor tourism ahead of the Pacifico Surf Open Cerritos, Nov. 19–22, with more than 120 surfers expected.**

Día de Muertos: Celebrations are underway across Mexico, with Mexico City’s record 33-meter Catrina drawing crowds. Growing tourism is also bringing strain: Janitzio closed its cemetery to visitors over damage from crowds. Cancún Hotels: Hilton’s new 429-room, adults-only Amàre Cancún opened October 31, marking the Spanish brand’s first resort in the Americas. Air Service: United plans to end all service to Tulum International Airport in January, cutting a key route for visitors to the Riviera Maya. Cruises: Royal Caribbean expects strong demand when Icon of the Seas moves to Galveston in 2027, supporting plans for Western Caribbean stops including Cozumel and Mahahual. Holbox: Nômade Temple has announced a New Year’s Eve dinner and celebration as part of its island events season.

Air Access: United Airlines is exiting Tulum less than two years after launching service, a setback for air links to the fast-growing resort destination. Today in Mexico City: The city hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix and its Día de Muertos parade on Oct. 31, bringing two major draws together for visitors. Golf Tourism: At the Mexico Open in Vallarta, 20-year-old Kihei Akina surged into contention at Vidanta Vallarta, keeping the tournament in the spotlight. Los Cabos Development: The destination is courting luxury travelers with 1,200 hotel rooms in the pipeline, even as U.S. arrivals soften. Visitor Fees: Cancun airport’s Visitax payment kiosks have shut down amid allegations of extra fees, while Yucatán’s business council opposes a proposed increase to the non-resident visitor charge in 2027.

Los Cabos Growth: The destination’s 2036 vision aims to make it the Americas’ leading luxury hub, with more than 1,200 hotel rooms planned or under construction by 2029 and a push to benefit local businesses and protect the coast. Mexico City Weekend: Formula 1 and the Día de Muertos parade converge on October 31, bringing a major draw for visitors. Flight Update: Nonstop Portland–Mexico City service is set to return in January 2027. Cancun Fees: Visitax kiosks at the airport have shut down amid allegations of extra fees, raising questions for travelers about how the visitor tax is collected. Tulum Slowdown: Reports of empty airport facilities, shuttered shops and abandoned hotels point to continuing strain on the resort town’s tourism economy.

Seasonal Experiences: Ensenada’s historic Riviera is coming to life through new ghost tours, adding a timely option for visitors around Día de Muertos. Visitor Fees: Cancún airport’s Visitax kiosks have been shut amid allegations of extra charges, while Yucatán’s business council is opposing a proposed 2027 hike to its non-resident visitor fee. Los Cabos: The destination is doubling down on luxury as U.S. arrivals slip; recent flooding also prompted rescues and closures. City Breaks: Mexico City is emerging as a luxury hot spot, while Tulum’s tourism downturn is worsening, with reports of shuttered businesses and abandoned hotels.

Los Cabos: U.S. arrivals are down 6% this year while hotel rates climb, prompting the destination to launch its first global marketing campaign. Visitor Fees: Cancun airport has shut several Visitax kiosks after reports of extra charges; travelers can pay through Quintana Roo’s official website and keep the QR receipt. Yucatán’s business council is also urging lawmakers to reject a proposed 2027 increase in the non-resident fee, from 983 to 1,158 pesos, warning it could hurt tourism competitiveness. Air Access: Southwest is adding 11 nonstop routes across Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica; Portland is set to resume daily nonstop service to Mexico City, and Aeroméxico is expanding its long-haul network beyond the capital. Holiday Demand: Cancun ranks among the top destinations for Thanksgiving travel.

Mexico City Grand Prix: The F1 weekend is bringing international attention to the capital, with Lewis Hamilton in town for the race and Kim Kardashian promoting her series. Air Links: Portland is set to resume daily nonstop service to Mexico City, while Southwest has launched 11 new nonstop routes across Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica. Día de Muertos: Mérida’s Festival de las Ánimas drew more than 58,000 attendees during its opening weekend; Cabo San Lucas’ floating altars return Nov. 1–4. Resort Stays: Hilton is promoting warm-weather holiday escapes at its Mexico properties, with dining, wellness and private-pool experiences among the draws.