Mexico's World Cup tourism generates over 1.8 billion pesos; viral duck 'Merlín' gains popularity

Mexico's tourism sector is experiencing a significant economic boost from the ongoing World Cup, with an estimated 1.8 billion pesos generated solely from hotels and restaurants in the host cities. Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, Secretary of Tourism, announced these positive results during a morning press conference at the National Palace.

Rodríguez Zamora highlighted that Mexico has established itself as the host country with the highest tourism growth among the three co-hosts. The nation boasts a 5% increase in tourism, surpassing Canada's 3% growth and contrasting with a 2% decrease in the United States. During match days, hotel occupancy rates in the host cities are reaching as high as 95%, with an average of 75% across their respective states.

Passenger traffic in the three host cities has seen a 3% rise compared to the same period last year. In Mexico City specifically, hotel occupancy has increased by up to 16 percentage points on days when matches are played. The overall atmosphere of "joy and hospitality" projected by Mexico during the tournament has also been noted.

Adding to the tournament's buzz, a duck named 'Merlín', seen wearing a Mexican national team jersey, has become an unexpected viral sensation both within Mexico and internationally. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo commented on the duck's popularity, noting how it became "very famous." She emphasized that Mexico consistently trends internationally, attributing this to its "reception, warmth, and joy," which she described as "extraordinary."