Hotel Association Partners with UNICEF for Security Measures Ahead of FIFA 2026 World Cup
Following the approval in Mexico City’s Congress as part of security measures leading up to the FIFA 2026 World Cup, hotels belonging to the Association of Hotels of Mexico City have committed to progressively connecting their surveillance systems with the Command, Control, Computing, Communications, and Citizen Contact Center (C5).
Javier Puente, president of the Association, explained, “We currently have about 1,000 cameras in hotel exteriors that will be connected to the C5. The goal is for these devices to enable real-time monitoring by the Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC) authorities by May.”
Similar Model to OXXO Stores
The implementation will follow a model similar to that used in businesses like OXXO stores, where security cameras activate upon detecting an incident, allowing the C5 to follow up on any case. This measure complements other protocols such as “panic buttons” installed at hotel receptions, enabling a police response within five minutes.
Historical Evidence and UNICEF Data
Historical evidence from countries that have hosted mega-events like the World Cup shows a pattern of increased violence, particularly domestic violence, which can double during these periods. This has been observed in South Africa, Brazil, Germany, England, and France, according to UNICEF data.
Moreover, high-tourist-concentration events are often exploited for crimes related to human trafficking and child sexual abuse. Puente emphasized, “None of Mexico City’s hotels will be complicit in these illicit activities.”
Gap Between Formal Hotels and Informal Accommodations
The formal hotel sector’s security strategy is highly deterrent, making it difficult for individuals to commit crimes like exploitation and trafficking within hotels. However, there is a gap between formal hotels and the 36,000 tourist apartments that have emerged in the city over the past decade.
This situation suggests a migration of illicit activities to less regulated spaces, as reported violence in registered hotels has decreased significantly, while reports have dwindled.
The Hotel Association awaits the execution of a Tourism Law reform, approved in 2024, which promised a registry for these types of accommodations through an app. However, Puente noted, “We are still waiting.”
Collaboration Agreements
UNICEF Mexico, the Association of Hotels of Mexico City, and the Association of Hotels and Motels of the Valley of Mexico signed a two-year collaboration agreement as part of preparations for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
The agreement includes staff training, promotion of safe environments, development of informational materials, and participation in communication campaigns. One such campaign is “Zero Tolerance for the Sexual Exploitation of Girls, Boys, and Adolescents,” aimed at raising awareness and strengthening reporting channels in tourist spaces.
Fernando Carrera, UNICEF Mexico representative, mentioned that similar models are being implemented in other cities hosting world-event tourists, including Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Cancun, with Tijuana potentially following suit.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main objective of this collaboration between hotels and UNICEF? The primary goal is to enhance security measures in Mexico City’s hotels ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, focusing on crime prevention, particularly those related to human trafficking and child sexual abuse.
- How will the hotels connect with the C5? Hotels will progressively link their surveillance systems to the C5, enabling real-time monitoring by SSC authorities.
- What other security measures are being implemented? In addition to C5 integration, hotels will install panic buttons at receptions for rapid police response and participate in UNICEF-led awareness campaigns targeting sexual exploitation of minors.
- Why is there a focus on informal accommodations? There is concern about a possible increase in illicit activities in less regulated tourist apartments as reported violence in formal hotels has decreased.
- Are these security measures being implemented in other cities? Yes, similar collaboration models are being adopted in other Mexican cities expected to host a high volume of world-event tourists, including Guadalajara, Monterrey, Cancun, and potentially Tijuana.
