Acapulco is getting ready to become a Queer Destinations Committed destination, setting a new benchmark for inclusive tourism in Mexico. 

The State Government of Guerrero, led by Governor Evelyn Salgado Pineda, has taken a major step toward building a more inclusive and respectful tourism model.

In partnership with the Municipal Government of Acapulco, the Acapulco Tourism Promotion Trust (FIDETUR), and Queer Destinations, a formal agreement has been signed to begin the process of joining the Queer Destinations Committed program.

This alliance aims to create safe and high-quality tourism experiences that align with the values of the LGBTIQ+ community.

A destination that celebrates diversity year-round

Thanks to this agreement, Acapulco is moving toward becoming a destination where diversity is not just respected—it’s celebrated every day of the year.

“On behalf of Governor Evelyn Salgado Pineda, we reaffirm our commitment to embrace, support, and work toward a more just and inclusive Acapulco, where tourism development also means social and cultural development,” said Simón Quiñones Orozco, Secretary of Tourism of Guerrero.

LGBTQ+ tourism has global impact

Gaston Fournier, Global Director of Queer Destinations, highlighted the broader economic and cultural value of the initiative. “LGBTQ+ tourism generates a global economic impact of $4.7 trillion annually,” he said. “We applaud the State Government’s commitment to positioning Acapulco as a proudly inclusive destination.”

Leaders from tourism and government join forces

The signing event brought together key figures from the public and private sectors, including:

• Abelina López Rodríguez, Mayor of Acapulco
• Noe Peralta Herrera, Municipal Secretary of Tourism
• Manuel Negrete Arias, President of FIDETUR Acapulco
• Valeria Chávez, Legal Representative of Queer Destinations
• Susana Palazuelos, Chef and international entrepreneur
• Levi Williams Manzanares, President of AMAV Nacional
• José Luis Smithers, President of AHETA

What’s next for Acapulco?

This partnership marks the beginning of a larger process of:

• Training local tourism businesses
• Promoting values of equity and safety
• Transforming Acapulco’s tourism ecosystem to meet international standards

A milestone for inclusive travel

At Queer Destinations, we proudly celebrate this moment. It reflects the power of public-private partnerships to create destinations that are not only safer, but more human, diverse, and sustainable.