Baja California Sur possesses a tourism identity deeply defined by its natural surroundings, its coastline, and its exclusivity. How does Los Cabos balance tourism growth with environmental conservation and the protection of its marine and desert ecosystems?

The primary asset of Los Cabos is its natural environment. Achieving a balance between development and conservation is a strategic priority, not merely an environmental one.

We work in a coordinated manner to protect key ecosystems such as the Cabo Pulmo National Park, a global benchmark in reef recovery. Furthermore, we actively promote environmental certifications.

At FITURCA, we have implemented a comprehensive destination management strategy that fosters sustainable growth in both demand and the variety of tourism services, ensuring the long-term stability, competitiveness, and endurance of the region.

• Empowering Local Communities: We provide tools and training to local communities, enabling them to design and manage successful tourism products.

• Enhanced Visibility: We increase the visibility of these offerings through specialized, publicly accessible guides that provide a detailed and accessible understanding of the destination.

• Responsible Tourism Guides: Since 2019, we have developed 13 responsible tourism guides with the active participation of all stakeholders within the tourism ecosystem and local communities.

The growth of the destination has been accompanied by the strictest sustainability standards. We understand that today’s traveler deeply values conservation and demands destinations that are genuinely committed to the environment.

The growth of air connectivity has been fundamental to the positioning of Los Cabos. Which source markets are showing the most dynamism, and what geographic diversification strategies are being implemented to reduce dependency on specific markets?

The expansion of direct air routes has been a decisive factor. Our strategy does not seek to depend on a single market, but rather to balance geographic and demographic portfolios to reduce risks and increase resilience.

The United States continues to be our primary source market, followed by Canada. However, we have worked actively to diversify into strategic markets and specific high-purchasing-power segments.

Los Cabos is the third most connected destination in Mexico. In 2025, the expansion of air connectivity established itself as one of the fundamental strategic pillars. Following years of sustained and coordinated work with various airlines, we successfully inaugurated nine new routes from St. Louis, Nashville, Oakland, Ontario, and Kansas City in the United States; Montreal and Toronto in Canada; and, as a historic milestone, a new connection from Panama via Copa Airlines. Furthermore, for the second consecutive year, we maintained the direct route from Frankfurt, Germany, which resulted in a 300% growth in traveler arrivals from that market.

In 2018, emerging markets (excluding Mexico, the U.S., and Canada) represented only 1.3% of total arrivals; by 2025, this share grew to 2.3%. Notable growth was seen in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Japan, as well as an increase in passengers from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and France, who now connect via Frankfurt to reach Los Cabos.

This progress is directly related to the expansion of international air connectivity, which grew from 38 connected airports in 2019 to 42 international airports in 2025—including 32 in the United States, 8 in Canada, plus Germany and Panama. In 2016, 16,382 international flights to Los Cabos were recorded; by 2025, this figure increased by 45.8%, reaching 23,895 flights. In the domestic market, connectivity grew from 9 routes in 2019 to 16 connected airports in 2025, integrating destinations such as Santa Lucía, Cancún, Querétaro, Mexicali, Torreón, and Los Mochis, in addition to Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana, and Monterrey.

The hotel infrastructure in Los Cabos has evolved notably in design, sustainability, and personalized experiences. How would you describe the current profile of the hotel offering, and what trends are marking the development of new projects in the destination?

Luxury and ultra-luxury developments, boutique hotels, and resorts with a strong focus on design and sustainability predominate. Current trends include architecture integrated into the landscape, deep wellness experiences, high-level gastronomy, and technology for service personalization.

Los Cabos grew from 15,000 rooms in 2016 to 22,000 in 2025, with 80% of the inventory in the five-star category. Luxury brands such as Four Seasons, One&Only Palmilla, Zadún Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, and Grand Velas consolidate the destination as a benchmark for premium tourism.

This positioning is reflected in hotel performance: the Average Daily Rate (ADR) grew from $286 USD in 2017 to $440 USD in 2025, while RevPAR rose from $203 to $306 USD, with a sustained average occupancy of 70%.

In terms of social sustainability, what actions are being developed to ensure that tourism growth generates real benefits for local communities, quality employment, and the strengthening of the regional business fabric?

Tourism continues to be a key driver for the region. In 2025, the economic impact generated by tourism activity in Los Cabos reached 133.3 billion pesos. A particularly relevant figure is that 33% of this expenditure was spent on non-tourist concepts, demonstrating the transversal impact of tourism on sectors such as local commerce, professional services, and everyday consumption, thereby benefiting the general population. The training of 62 rural micro-enterprises also stands out, extending the benefits of tourism to remote areas.

According to local perception, tourism activity has contributed to an increase in family income, allowing for a greater capacity for savings, travel, and the acquisition of durable goods. Furthermore, an educational improvement was observed in 2025, with a higher percentage of residents holding undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, reflecting greater access to and continuity in higher education.

In terms of labor, as of the third quarter of 2025, tourism generated 44,019 jobs in Los Cabos, with an average salary 37.6% higher than the state average and year-on-year growth of +6%. The tourism sector represented 36.7% of the total employment in the municipality. At the state level, tourism accounts for 35.8% of the total production of Baja California Sur, concentrates 25.4% of businesses, and employs 40.1% of the workforce, confirming its strategic role in the regional economy.

The meetings and high-level events segment has found an attractive stage in Los Cabos. What infrastructure and competitive advantages does the destination offer to attract congresses, incentives, and strategic international meetings?

We offer a strategic advantage for planners seeking more than just a venue; we deliver a comprehensive ecosystem where luxury meets purpose. Key highlights include:

• Accessibility: More than 600 direct weekly flights connect Los Cabos to the world, including 330 direct flights from 32 U.S. cities, facilitating attendee transportation.

• Engagement and Extended Stays: In 2025, 773,956 room-nights were generated via RFP. This segment contributes 4.6% of the state GDP. It accounts for 42.8% of the expenditure generated in destination services and activities.

• Unique Experiences: The destination combines luxury with community-based rural tourism, creating lasting memories and strengthening teamwork.

• Economic and Social Impact: The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry represented 10% of the state's tourism activity during 2025 and generated an economic impact of over $263 million USD.

In a global context of economic and climate uncertainty, what crisis management mechanisms and long-term planning are strengthening Los Cabos' tourism resilience against unpredictable external phenomena?

The destination's resilience is built upon market diversification, strategic planning, and institutional coordination. We rely on crisis management protocols, transparent communication, and a long-term vision to navigate changing environments.

Looking ahead, what is FITURCA’s vision for Los Cabos over the next ten years, and what legacy do you aspire to leave in terms of tourism leadership, comprehensive sustainability, and innovation within Mexico and on the international stage?

Our vision is to consolidate Los Cabos as the leading global benchmark for sustainable luxury tourism.

We aspire to leave a legacy of comprehensive destination management, underpinned by a collaborative, transparent, and results-oriented governance model. This model seeks to drive balanced and responsible growth, both in the quality and diversification of the tourism offering and in attracting high-value demand. This ensures economic stability, global competitiveness, and environmental and social preservation. In essence, we are working to ensure that Los Cabos not only maintains its leadership today but strengthens its relevance and sustainability in the long term.

We would like to express our most sincere gratitude to Mr. Rodrigo Esponda for his time and for the extraordinary clarity with which he has presented the management of Los Cabos. His strategic vision, grounded in data-driven planning, comprehensive sustainability, and public-private collaboration, offers an exemplary roadmap for the global tourism industry.

Under his leadership, the destination has not only achieved record figures in connectivity and average rates but has also reached a genuine balance between economic growth and the preservation of its natural and social assets. Los Cabos is, without a doubt, a management model where luxury meets purpose.

From the Tourism and Society Think Tank, we reaffirm our deep interest and desire to establish a close and continuous collaboration with Los Cabos.