Background and Relevance of Quintana Roo’s Secretary of Tourism, Bernardo Cueto Riestra
Bernardo Cueto Riestra, the Secretary of Tourism for Quintana Roo, is spearheading a delegation of over 25 companies from the Mexican Caribbean region to attend the 2025 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, starting on November 4th.
Quintana Roo’s Objectives at WTM 2025
Cueto Riestra outlined the main goals for the delegation, which include presenting the promotion strategy for the upcoming winter season and strengthening new air routes leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
WTM London: A Global Travel Industry Gathering
The WTM is an annual event that brings together approximately 5,000 exhibitors from 182 countries and attracts 51,000 travel industry professionals, including businesspeople, government ministers, journalists, and leading travel agencies from Europe and around the world.
Highlighting Cancún’s Unique Position
During this context, Quintana Roo will showcase Cancún’s advantages to European tour operators as the only host city with direct air connections to all 16 cities hosting World Cup matches. The “Stop Over in Cancún” campaign emphasizes the opportunity for fans to stay in Cancun’s resorts while attending the tournament.
Projected Tourism Impact
Quintana Roo’s government estimates that Cancún could welcome at least 40% of the expected 5.5 million visitors to Mexico for the World Cup, with around 1 million staying in Cancun’s resorts. Many will continue to other destinations, but the region anticipates significant tourism growth.
Airline Connections on the Rise
Cueto Riestra pointed out that airlines are also anticipating increased traveler numbers in 2026, with Virgin Atlantic already resuming the London-Cancún route in late October 2023. More seasonal flights from Europe, Canada, and the United States are expected to resume by winter.
Quintana Roo’s Importance to the UK Market
Regardless of the World Cup, Cueto Riestra highlighted that 78% of British travelers to Mexico arrive in Cancún, accounting for 400,000 to 500,000 visitors annually. This makes the UK the fourth most important market for the Mexican Caribbean, following the United States, domestic travel, and Canada.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of Quintana Roo’s delegation at WTM 2025? The main objectives are to present the promotion strategy for the upcoming winter season and strengthen new air routes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Why is Cancún a significant destination for the World Cup? Cancún is the only host city with direct air connections to all 16 cities hosting World Cup matches, making it an attractive option for fans.
- How many visitors does Quintana Roo anticipate for the World Cup? The government estimates that Cancún could welcome at least 40% of the expected 5.5 million visitors to Mexico for the World Cup, with around 1 million staying in Cancun’s resorts.
- Which airlines are resuming or adding flights to Cancún? Virgin Atlantic has already resumed the London-Cancún route, and more seasonal flights from Europe, Canada, and the United States are expected to resume by winter.
- Why is the UK market crucial for Quintana Roo? 78% of British travelers to Mexico arrive in Cancún, accounting for 400,000 to 500,000 visitors annually, making the UK the fourth most important market for the Mexican Caribbean.
