Sports tourism maintains a growth outlook of 17.5 percent and currently represents approximately 10 percent of global tourism spending, according to Sergio Sánchez López, president of the National Chamber of Commerce (CANACO) in Durango, who said the business sector should remain attentive to the opportunities generated by this activity.
In this context, the Durango businessman announced that Mexico will host the World Sports Tourism Congress of UN Tourism (WSTC 2026) for the first time in the Americas, which will take place from September 7 to 9 at the Hermanos Rodríguez Racetrack in Mexico City.
Sánchez López stated that the event will bring together representatives from more than 140 countries, as well as international leaders from the tourism and sports sectors, international organizations, governments, and business leaders. They will address topics related to mega-events, investment, innovation, technology, destination development, and new business opportunities.
The president of CONCANACO SERVYTUR México, Octavio de la Torre de Stéffano, highlighted the importance of Mexico hosting this international event, promoted by the Confederation, particularly during a strategic year marked by the celebration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sports Tourism Generates Benefits Beyond Major Events
Sánchez López explained that the impact of sports tourism is not limited to major events, because it generates a chain of consumption that benefits various sectors of the economy, including retail, hotels, restaurants, transportation, services, and suppliers.
“Sports tourism generates a chain of consumption that reaches many sectors. We have to remain attentive so that companies in Durango can take advantage of these opportunities,” he said.
The business leader considered that international events of this kind represent an opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn about new trends, establish commercial relationships, and explore alternatives that could develop into new businesses and partnerships.
He said that business chambers are seeking to ensure that Mexico’s participation in this international arena translates into benefits for companies and tourist destinations, while also allowing Durango to identify opportunities within the growth dynamics of sports tourism.
Durango to Host Titan Desert 2026
It is worth noting that Durango will host the first edition of Titan Desert in Mexico, one of the most important mountain-biking competitions in the world. The event will travel through natural, historic, and tourist landscapes throughout the state during four days of international competition.
Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism and Durango’s Secretary of Tourism, Elisa María Haro Ruiz, invited cyclists and national and international visitors to experience the event, which will come to the country for the first time.
The race will take place from November 13 to 16, 2026, making Durango the first host of the Titan World Series in Mexico and Latin America.
Approximately 500 cyclists from more than 25 countries are expected to participate. They will cover routes ranging from 90 to 110 kilometers per day, crossing deserts, forests, lagoons, waterfalls, and historic roads throughout the state.
Durango will remain part of this international circuit through 2028.
Source: oem
