Xantolo Festival Expected to Boost Hotel Occupancy to 90% in San Luis Potosí

In an exclusive interview for Líder Empresarial, Iván Chávez Sandoval, president of the Mexican Association of Hotels and Motels (AMHM) in San Luis Potosí, unveiled the hotel occupancy projections for the Day of the Dead and Xantolo season, covering both the Huasteca region and the capital of San Luis Potosí.

It is noteworthy that these events, considered one of the most representative festivities of Potosino culture, are not only a tourist attraction but also a vital economic driver for the municipalities of the Huasteca.

In this regard, the AMHM president addressed the recent damages caused by rains in various municipalities of the Huasteca region. He emphasized that although road blockades and disruptions in some thoroughfares have caused logistical inconveniences, the Huasteca’s hotel infrastructure is prepared to welcome tourists for the Xantolo festivities.

“Indeed, the containment efforts in the Huasteca have focused on the roads connecting cities and towns. However, the tourist infrastructure is fully prepared. Hotels are operating normally, and we have the necessary services to ensure a quality experience for our visitors,” Chávez stated.

He highlighted that the tourism sector has often proven to be an engine of economic reactivation following adverse natural events, and this year will be no exception. Furthermore, he noted that the influx of tourists will significantly contribute to the economic recovery of the municipalities affected by the rains.

Now, Chávez Sandoval indicated that in the Huasteca, where the traditions of Xantolo and Day of the Dead originate, hotel occupancy of 85% to 90% is anticipated. He explained that the region, famous for its traditional cemeteries, parades, and dance of the dead, is preparing to welcome a large number of tourists seeking to experience the local culture authentically.

Under this premise, he projected that hotel occupancy in the city during and Day of the Dead is estimated at around 50%. Despite this, the city of San Luis Potosí still attracts visitors with its infrastructure and complementary activities.

In turn, Chávez Sandoval emphasized that tourism activity not only boosts the hotel sector but also the entire local economy. According to the president, the average expenditure of a family in a commercial plaza in San Luis Potosí for five hours is comparable to the spending of that same family for two nights in the Huasteca, where they can enjoy the culture, traditions, and natural beauty of the region.

“My invitation is for people to research and explore hotel prices on our official websites. For the same price as a day of shopping at a mall, you can experience a unique connection with the traditions of the Huasteca,” he concluded.