Mexican hospitality is more than just a service; it is about opening doors, sharing a table, and welcoming visitors with warmth. This sector, a key part of the national economy, contributes 8.6% of GDP and generates 4.9 million jobs, projecting the essence of Mexico to the world.
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by Mexico alongside the United States and Canada, the country is preparing to welcome more than 5 million international visitors. This event will trigger investment, increase demand for services, and place the industry in the global spotlight.
In this context, ABASTUR 2025, being held from August 27 to 29 at the Banamex Center in Mexico City, is shaping up to be the key platform for presenting innovations, setting trends, and consolidating strategic alliances ahead of a decisive year.
“ABASTUR has been supporting an industry for four decades that not only generates jobs, but also experiences, reputation, and sustainable innovation. This edition will be a celebration of the country's most noble profession and a platform to move forward with vision toward an exciting year,” said Yesenia Vázquez, director of the event.
An expanding industry
The numbers confirm the dynamism: in the first five months of 2025, Mexico received 19.4 million international visitors. The hotel sector leads construction in Latin America, with more than 39,000 rooms under development, while the restaurant industry projects 4% growth this year.
For chef Ana Matorell, gastronomy has undergone a profound transformation, moving from eating out of necessity to embracing the table as an experience. Today, customers want every visit to a restaurant to be a moment that adds to the personal and the event that accompanies it. In this change, platforms such as ABASTUR have become key allies in offering proposals that transcend food and become memorable experiences.
For his part, Ignacio Alarcón, national president of CANIRAC, emphasized:
“Gastronomy is identity and competitiveness. Spaces like these allow the best of our cuisine to become an economic engine and a window for Mexico to the world.”
With more than 650,000 affiliated restaurants and nearly 2 million direct jobs, the organization declared itself ready for the impact that the increase in tourists during the 2026 World Cup will bring.
Innovation and networking
The ABASTUR 2025 program will include spaces designed to boost the industry:
· Industry Leaders Club, which will connect strategic buyers with exhibitors.
· Hotel Show Room, showcasing the latest hotel innovations.
· The Hospitality Summit, an educational and networking forum with international leaders.
In addition, attendees will be able to enjoy unique experiences, such as the Bar Pavilion, with tastings, and the Gourmet Stage, where live cooking demonstrations will be presented.
“Connecting innovation with strategic vision is the essence of ABASTUR, a space where hospitality is transformed by sustainability, creativity, and the talent of those who bring the sector to life,” said Adrián López Ruiz, CEO of Informa Markets.