Tourism in Baja California Sur will close 2025 with occupancy rates above 70%

They expect to close the year with more than 4.5 million passengers, an approximate growth of 3% compared to 2024.

letras la paz turismo temporada alta — Baja California Sur destinations must consolidate a long-term vision, with infrastructure, planning, and environmental protection, hotel operators say. / Photo: Alberto Cota / El Sudcaliforniano

Alan Flores

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Baja California Sur prepares for the strongest tourism season closure of the year. Deputy Tourism Secretary Fernando Ojeda Aguilar confirms that December will maintain an upward trend in visitor arrivals, driven by the U.S. and Canadian markets, in addition to new international connectivity that opens strategic routes for 2026.

“The winter season is one of the most important for the state. Historically, the North American market takes advantage of our climate to escape the cold, which allows us to anticipate occupancy rates above 70%, with even higher peaks during holiday periods,” says Ojeda Aguilar.

He explains that in December alone, the arrival of 400,000 air passengers is expected across the state’s three main airports, a figure that allows for an estimated economic impact of more than two billion pesos.

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He also expects to close the year with more than 4.5 million passengers, an approximate growth of 3% compared to 2024.

Estos son los lugares y fechas para ver ballenas en Baja California Sur

Historic connectivity and emerging markets

turismo la paz temporada alta — In December, 400,000 air passengers are expected across the three main airports, generating an economic impact of over two billion pesos. / Photo: Alberto Cota / El Sudcaliforniano

Ojeda Aguilar highlights that on December 4, the first direct Panama–Los Cabos flight began operations, opening the door to the South American market, while the Frankfurt–San José del Cabo route, active since November, strengthens the region’s European presence.

“We will start 2026 with great momentum as well; January and February maintain high occupancy levels in the main destinations,” he adds.

Data from the Los Cabos Tourism Observatory support this trend: as of September 2025, the destination recorded 2.84 million passengers, a 1.2% increase over the previous year, with a solid contribution from Canadian tourism (+12.2%) and the recovery of the U.S. market, which continues to lead with more than 45% of total participation.

The business perspective: growth, but with order

turistas pareja la paz — Investors identify La Paz as an emerging destination, with advantages in natural attractions, growing connectivity, and an increasingly diverse traveler profile. / Photo: Alberto Cota / El Sudcaliforniano

For Agustín Olachea Nogueda, president of the La Paz Hotel and Tourism Businesses Association (Emprhotur), the challenge is not only receiving more tourists but “growing well.” In an interview with El Sudcaliforniano, he emphasizes that destinations in Baja California Sur must consolidate a long-term vision with infrastructure, planning, and environmental protection.

“La Paz is going to grow, no question about it. The point is how we grow—orderly, responsibly, and with sustainability in mind,” he says. The businessman stresses that the state’s natural beauty is its greatest asset, so any tourism strategy should be accompanied by conservation policies.

During the Vision 2026 forum, organized by Emprhotur, economic opportunities for Baja California Sur were presented both on the U.S. West Coast and in emerging markets. Olachea confirms that investors see La Paz as an expanding destination, with competitive advantages in nature, growing connectivity, and an increasingly diverse traveler profile.

Average spending and visitor profile

temporada alta turismo bcs — In La Paz, daily spending ranges from four to five thousand pesos, while Loreto remains at similar levels. / Photo: Alberto Cota / El Sudcaliforniano

According to industry data, in Los Cabos, the average daily spending per person ranges from 6,000 to 8,000 pesos, plus hotel rates that exceed $500 USD per night during peak seasons.

In La Paz, daily spending ranges from 4,000 to 5,000 pesos, while Loreto maintains similar levels.

Average stays are five to eight nights in Los Cabos and four to seven nights in La Paz—figures that reflect extended visits that stimulate the local economy.

Tourism as an economic engine

coromuel banistas — The winter season will be the first barometer for 2026, which is expected to be one of the most dynamic years for tourism in Baja California Sur. / Photo: Julián García / El Sudcaliforniano

Ojeda Aguilar notes that tourism does not only benefit large companies but the entire value chain.

“From the waiter who receives better tips to those who sell handicrafts or provide local services. Tourist spending must be distributed and strengthen our economy,” he affirms.

The deputy secretary and business sector agree that Baja California Sur is at a key moment. The expansion of international routes, sustained growth in the North American market, and the consolidation of La Paz as an emerging destination place the state in a favorable position—provided development remains balanced.

Meanwhile, Olachea Nogueda insists that “the key is to seize opportunities without compromising what makes us unique: our natural resources.”

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The winter season will be the first indicator of a 2026 expected to be one of the most dynamic years for tourism in Baja California Sur. “The challenge is to maintain success,” Ojeda concludes