Sinaloa’s Tourism Boom Reflects Growing Confidence in the State: Governor Rocha Moya

Web Editor

January 5, 2026

a man in glasses is speaking at a podium with a microphone in front of him and a man in a plaid shir

Tourism Thrives in Sinaloa, Generating Significant Economic Impact

According to Mireya Sosa Osuna, the Secretary of Tourism in Sinaloa, the state welcomed 5.5 million tourists in 2025, resulting in a staggering economic impact of 33,293 million pesos.

Key Achievements in Sinaloa’s Tourism Sector

  • Sinaloa experienced a surge in tourist arrivals, with 5.5 million visitors in 2025, generating an economic impact of 33,293 million pesos.
  • Mazatlán achieved an 83% hotel occupancy rate, positioning the destination among the most competitive in Mexico.
  • The average hotel occupancy rate maintained at 65% throughout the state.
  • Mazatlán welcomed over 4.3 million tourists, generating an economic impact of 27,490 million pesos.
  • 124 cruise ships arrived in Mazatlán, bringing 435,167 cruise passengers and an economic impact of 696 million pesos.
  • Two additional cruise ships arrived in Topolobampo, contributing 2.4 million pesos to the local economy.
  • Sinaloa received 4,188,124 passengers via air travel from January to November.
  • Seven new air routes were established, with five in Mazatlán (Torreón, Chihuahua, Los Mochis, La Paz, Hermosillo) and two in Ahome (Chihuahua, La Paz).
  • Mazatlán will have a new direct flight to Guadalajara starting in March.
  • Eight direct routes to Canada (Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Winnipeg, Kelowna, Regina, Montreal) are currently available in Mazatlán.
  • The Calgary-Mazatlán route will operate year-round due to strong winter season performance.
  • The meetings industry thrived, with 191 events, 331,000 attendees, and an economic impact of 3,589 million pesos.

Governor Rocha Moya’s Statement on Tourism Growth

During a press conference on January 5, 2026, Governor Rubén Rocha Moya highlighted the growth in Sinaloa’s tourism sector, stating that the rising number of visitors reflects the increasing confidence in the state.

“The tourism sector performed very well, and it’s important to acknowledge this. Often, people advise against visiting Sinaloa, but we have seen an increase in visitors. I can assure you that no tourist has been mistreated or encountered problems in Sinaloa. Why? Because security has been prioritized, not just for tourists but for the entire population.”

Rocha Moya emphasized Mazatlán’s 83% hotel occupancy rate, which he considered significant in positioning the destination among Mexico’s most competitive tourist spots.

“This is crucial as we are now frequently mentioned in the president’s morning press conference regarding tourism, and local and national media cover this topic,” he added.

Secretary Sosa Osuna’s Perspective on Tourism Success

Secretary Mireya Sosa Osuna echoed the positive tourism trends in Sinaloa, noting that the state welcomed 5.5 million tourists in 2025, resulting in a 33,293 million pesos economic impact.

“Upon reviewing the year, we have excellent indicators in the tourism sector. The average hotel occupancy rate remained at 65% throughout Sinaloa,” she stated.

Sosa Osuna highlighted Mazatlán’s achievements, welcoming over 4.3 million tourists and generating an economic impact of 27,490 million pesos. Additionally, the city hosted 124 cruise ship arrivals, bringing 435,167 cruise passengers and an economic impact of 696 million pesos.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What is the significance of Sinaloa’s tourism growth? The rising number of tourists in Sinaloa reflects growing confidence in the state, with significant economic benefits.
  • How many tourists visited Sinaloa in 2025? Sinaloa welcomed 5.5 million tourists in 2025.
  • What was the economic impact of tourism in Sinaloa in 2025? Tourism generated an economic impact of 33,293 million pesos in Sinaloa in 2025.
  • What is the hotel occupancy rate in Sinaloa? The average hotel occupancy rate in Sinaloa was 65%.
  • How many cruise ships arrived in Mazatlán in 2025? Mazatlán welcomed 124 cruise ships in 2025.
  • How many new air routes were established in Sinaloa? Seven new air routes were established in Sinaloa, with five in Mazatlán and two in Ahome.
  • What is the status of the Calgary-Mazatlán flight? The Calgary-Mazatlán flight will operate year-round due to strong winter season performance.