Tlaxcala experienced a substantial increase in the arrival of foreign tourists during the current administration. The state’s tourism authorities have emphasized the growth of international tourism as part of the results of the tourism strategy implemented during this period. The United States stands out as the main international market for visitors arriving in Tlaxcala.
According to figures presented by Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Tlaxcala received approximately 20,000 foreign tourists in 2019, while the state closed 2025 with 70,000 international visitors. Authorities described this increase as evidence of the state’s growing presence as a tourist destination.
The state’s tourism growth has been accompanied by efforts to diversify the attractions and activities available to visitors, seeking to extend their stays and generate greater economic benefits for local communities.
New National and International Promotion Being Prepared
Tlaxcala’s tourism strategy includes strengthening promotion at both the national and international levels. Authorities have sought to increase the state’s visibility as a destination by promoting its natural, cultural, historical and gastronomic attractions.
The state has promoted tourism products connected with nature, community tourism, gastronomy, cultural activities and outdoor experiences. Among the attractions highlighted in connection with the firefly season are hiking, glamping, community tourism, cultural tours and local gastronomy.
The promotion of Tlaxcala also seeks to encourage visitors to explore destinations beyond the traditional firefly season, particularly the municipalities of Nanacamilpa and Calpulalpan, which have become closely associated with the natural phenomenon.
Mexico City, Main Domestic Market
The Mexico City metropolitan area represents an important source of domestic visitors for Tlaxcala. The state’s proximity to the capital facilitates the movement of tourists interested in its cultural, historical, natural and gastronomic attractions.
The tourism offer includes activities and destinations that can be combined into longer visits, allowing travelers to experience more than one attraction during their stay.
Economic Spillover of 253 Million Pesos Reported
The article reports an economic spillover of 253 million pesos in connection with tourism activity.
Tourism has become an important economic activity for Tlaxcala, with authorities promoting tourism infrastructure, lodging options and new tourism products intended to increase the economic benefits generated by visitors.
The state has also promoted tourism as an activity capable of benefiting local communities through employment and the participation of guides, artisans, traditional cooks, producers and other service providers. During the firefly season, tourism-related activities are specifically presented as a source of income for communities in Nanacamilpa and Calpulalpan.
Fireflies Record a Decline in Visitors
Despite the overall increase in tourism, the article points to a 16% decrease in visitors to firefly-viewing centers.
The firefly season remains one of Tlaxcala’s best-known natural attractions. The state has 23 certified firefly-viewing centers, where visits are conducted under regulated conditions intended to protect the insects and their habitat.
Authorities have emphasized that visitors should use only the authorized centers. The viewing sites operate with regulated visitor capacity, designated trails, supervision and certified guides to reduce the environmental impact of tourism.
The municipalities of Nanacamilpa and Calpulalpan are central to the firefly tourism program. In addition to nighttime firefly viewing, visitors can participate in other activities, including pulque routes, visits to haciendas and tinacales, traditional gastronomy, hiking, mountain biking, glamping, apitourism, artisan workshops and visits to the Tecoaque archaeological zone.
For the 2026 firefly season, authorities projected more than 120,000 visitors. The season was scheduled to run from June 10 to August 9, 2026, with the state organizing an interinstitutional operation involving surveillance, medical assistance, access control and environmental protection.
Tourism authorities have also stressed that the firefly phenomenon can be complemented with cultural and gastronomic activities, allowing visitors to spend an entire weekend in the region instead of treating the firefly viewing as a single activity.
The federal and state tourism authorities have described the firefly season as one of Mexico’s notable natural tourism experiences and have encouraged visitors to explore Tlaxcala’s wider cultural and gastronomic offerings while respecting the certified viewing areas and environmental rules.
Source: oem
