Jorge Hernández, Fematur President, Advocates for Consumer Protection
Jorge Hernández, the president of the Mexican Tourism Associations Federation (Fematur), has urged the federal government to launch a campaign against fraudulent activities in the sale of tourism packages and World Cup 2026 tickets. The campaign, according to Hernández, should emphasize verifying purchases with legitimate businesses and warning consumers about suspiciously low prices, which are often indicative of fraudulent operations.
Background on Hernández and Fematur
Jorge Hernández, as the head of Fematur, plays a crucial role in representing Mexico’s tourism industry. Established in 1987, Fematur is a non-profit organization that brings together various tourism associations in Mexico, promoting collaboration and professional development within the sector. Hernández’s call for a federal campaign highlights his commitment to safeguarding consumers and ensuring the integrity of Mexico’s tourism offerings.
Addressing Fraudulent Ticket Sales
Hernández’s concerns stem from past incidents, such as the 2006 World Cup in Germany where approximately 20,000 Mexican fans were left without tickets due to fraudulent activities. He emphasizes the importance of educating consumers about the risks associated with suspiciously low prices and unauthorized ticket sellers. Social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok have become popular channels for promoting these fraudulent offers, making it essential for authorities to take action.
Impact on Tourism and Economy
The World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, presents an opportunity for Mexico to boost its tourism industry and move closer to the fifth position in international tourist arrivals by 2030, as promised by federal authorities. Currently ranked sixth, Mexico aims to capitalize on the influx of international visitors interested in attending the football tournament.
However, Hernández warns that the potential increase in tourism might only be a temporary phenomenon without proper promotion of Mexico’s national attractions. Moreover, he doubts the official estimate of 5.5 million international tourists arriving for the event, projecting a more conservative figure of 1.5 million visitors. Despite this, Hernández stresses the need to provide these tourists with a memorable experience to encourage them to become advocates for Mexico’s diverse attractions.
Competition from Neighboring Countries
Hernández acknowledges the competition from neighboring countries like Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Peru, which continue to actively promote their tourism offerings. He notes a noticeable slowdown in air arrivals to Mexico, suggesting that these countries are successfully attracting visitors who would otherwise come to Mexico.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Jorge Hernández? Jorge Hernández is the president of Fematur, a key organization representing Mexico’s tourism industry.
- What is Fematur? Fematur is the Mexican Tourism Associations Federation, a non-profit organization that unites various tourism associations in Mexico to promote collaboration and professional growth.
- What is the concern regarding World Cup 2026 ticket sales? Hernández is worried about fraudulent activities in the sale of tourism packages and World Cup tickets, emphasizing the need for consumer protection and verification of legitimate businesses.
- Why is the World Cup 2026 important for Mexico’s tourism industry? The tournament presents an opportunity for Mexico to increase its international tourist arrivals and move closer to its goal of ranking fifth in the world by 2030.
- What is Hernández’s projection for international tourist arrivals during the World Cup 2026? Hernández estimates that approximately 1.5 million international tourists will visit Mexico for the event, though the official target is 5.5 million.
- What challenges does Mexico face in attracting tourists? Mexico faces competition from neighboring countries and a slowdown in air arrivals, highlighting the need for effective promotion of its tourism offerings.
