Mexico City will close out the year with one of its most economically impactful seasons, driven by the arrival of millions of pilgrims to the Basilica of Guadalupe and the eight concerts Bad Bunny will perform at GNP Stadium. Between these two events, businesses, hotels, tourism services, and other establishments will experience one of their best periods of the year.
According to the National Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism of Mexico City (Canaco CDMX), the Puerto Rican artist’s concerts will generate 3.228 billion pesos in the capital. The majority of this figure will come from ticket sales—2.262 billion pesos—while 550.3 million pesos correspond to spending on food and beverages, and 416 million pesos to the increase in hotel occupancy, which could reach 80% or 90% in areas near the venue.
The organization highlighted that these shows “consolidate Mexico City as a cultural and entertainment epicenter in Latin America” and that their economic impact extends to restaurants, cafes, bars, transportation services, public transport, convenience stores, and souvenir shops. The “DeBÍ Tirar Más Fotos World Tour” anticipates a total attendance of between 500,000 and 520,000, coming from various states and even from abroad.
This massive influx of visitors will be complemented by the Guadalupe celebrations, which represent the largest religious movement in the country. The Coparmex CDMX estimates that the December 12 pilgrimages will contribute 1.724 billion pesos to the capital’s economy. In 2024, this same celebration generated 1.6 billion pesos, so sustained growth is expected.
The Mexico City government will deploy an operation with more than 100,000 public servants and 5,000 police officers to guarantee mobility and security. “It’s the largest operation the city has all year, and it’s been reinforced each year. We’re focusing our attention on the avenues that converge on the Basilica: Calzada de los Misterios, Calzada de Guadalupe, Montevideo, Ricarte, and so on,” stated the Secretary of Government, César Cravioto Romero.
Nationally, the impact will be much greater. The Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism (CONCANACO SERVYTUR Mexico) projects an economic impact of over 21.7 billion pesos from religious tourism on the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, representing an increase of approximately 8.5% compared to 2024.
The organization emphasizes that each pilgrim brings entire families who stay in hotels, spend money, and stimulate the local economy. “The Guadalupan faith is, at the same time, identity, social cohesion, and an economic engine,” affirmed its president, Octavio de la Torre de Stéffano.
Including concerts, religious celebrations, and holiday shopping, the Coparmex CDMX (Employers’ Confederation of the Mexican Republic) estimates that December will generate 38 billion pesos for the capital’s economy. The sectors with the highest activity will be prepared food, lodging, transportation, retail, and seasonal stores, with an estimated average expenditure per pilgrim between 260 and 1,800 pesos.
The combination of religious tourism and mass entertainment will make Mexico City one of the main economic hubs at the end of the year.
Source: infobae
