Mexico is once again poised to be a global tourism showcase. The upcoming month will see Mexico City host the fourth edition of the World Sports Tourism Congress, an event organized by UN Tourism. This prestigious gathering is anticipated to draw 500 participants from a diverse range of nations, including France, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Brazil, and Colombia, among others.
Sports Tourism: A Dynamic and Growing Segment
Sports tourism currently accounts for approximately 10% of global tourism expenditure. In 2025, this segment reached an estimated volume of 672 billion dollars, solidifying its position as one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing sectors within the tourism industry, according to UN Tourism.
Josefina Rodríguez, Mexico’s federal Secretary of Tourism, emphasized the significance of hosting such an event. “With this congress, following the FIFA World Cup, Mexico demonstrates its readiness to host high-level international events, which significantly aids in promoting tourism for our country and its various destinations,” Rodríguez stated on Monday.
Previous Editions and Mexico’s Debut in Latin America
Previous editions of the World Sports Tourism Congress were held in Catalonia (2021), Croatia (2023), and Madrid (2024). This year marks a historic moment as it will be the first time the congress takes place in Latin America, highlighting the region’s growing importance in the global sports tourism landscape.
During the presentation of the congress, Secretary Rodríguez was accompanied by Alejandra Frausto, her counterpart in Mexico City, and Octavio de la Torre, president of the Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism (Concanaco-Servytur), among other dignitaries.
Economic Impact and Growth in Mexico
The sports tourism sector in Mexico has experienced a significant boost post-pandemic. “After the pandemic, sports tourism has seen strong momentum. It grows more than 25% in Mexico each year and generates over 65 billion pesos in expenditure. And I’m not referring to large international events like F1, which generates 20 billion pesos in a single weekend. It also accounts for about 70,000 room nights and allows visitors to explore Magic Towns or heritage cities, thus promoting tourism,” added Josefina Rodríguez.
Key Topics and a Broader Scope of Sports Tourism
The congress will delve into a wide array of crucial topics, including: Mega-events, their impact and legacy; innovation, technology, and visitor experience; commercialization, sponsorship, and business models; governance, investment, and public-private collaboration; sustainability, inclusion, and accessibility in sports tourism; audiences and storytelling; and destination branding.
According to the organizers, the global sports tourism segment has evolved beyond major events to embrace a more transversal model. This now encompasses active and outdoor tourism, amateur sports, and novel experiences linked to sports communities and enthusiasts.
Concanaco’s Initiative and Collaborative Efforts
The request for Mexico to host the congress was put forth by Concanaco, in its capacity as an affiliate of UN Tourism. This initiative received strong backing from both the federal government and the government of Mexico City, underscoring a collaborative effort to bring this significant event to the country.
“We demonstrate that joint work between the private sector and the government yields positive results. The congress is of high relevance. Every athlete who travels generates tourism, traveling with their companions, everyone eats, they get to know destinations… Sports tourism generates a transversal economy and the impact is direct,” commented Octavio de la Torre, the business representative.
Event Venue and Planned Activities
The congress is scheduled to take place from September 7th to 9th at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Among the planned activities are visits to the Banorte Stadium, to observe its renovation works, and to the Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium, offering participants a glimpse into Mexico’s prominent sports infrastructure.
