MEXICO CITY. The lodging platform Airbnb and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launched this Thursday a toolkit, aimed at both hosts and travelers, to prevent human trafficking in tourism that is approaching in Mexico for the 2026 World Cup.
The initiative is part of a joint prevention and awareness strategy for events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The alliance will provide practical tools to hosts and travelers to identify warning signs and report possible risks.
These include a ‘Good Host Manual’ to detect warning signs and act, a ‘Good Visitor Manual’ to encourage responsible behavior, and a series of information capsules on trafficking, how to identify it and report it.
The tools are focused on early identification and reporting of possible cases, and are part of a comprehensive strategy that includes training, awareness campaigns and coordination with authorities, aligned with the UNODC global Blue Heart initiative.
The initiative was presented at the ‘High Level Forum against Trafficking in the 2026 World Cup’, with the participation of the government, private sector and civil society, in which it was highlighted that massive events such as the 2026 World Cup can increase the risks of exploitation.
For his part, Jorge Balderrama, regional director of Public Affairs at Airbnb, highlighted the value of these tools that “help hosts and guests identify possible risks and act in an informed manner, to help promote safer environments for visitors and communities.”
UN studies indicate that violence against minors and women usually increases by up to 30% in sports tournaments of the size of the Soccer World Cup.
The Mexican Government estimates the arrival of more than 5.5 million international tourists to the country within the framework of the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico is organizing with the United States and Canada, from June 11 to July 19.
In the capital, which will host the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, authorities project the arrival of nearly 5 million people throughout the tournament.
For its part, Airbnb estimates an additional spill of 345 million dollars during the 39 days of the World Cup and the generation of 13,000 additional jobs in Mexico City linked to the activity on its platform, according to a study prepared with Deloitte.
Crime on the rise
The crime of human trafficking in Mexico is increasing. In 2025, it rose 45% with more than 1,150 cases registered with 100 victims per month, according to what was reported by the newspaper The Universal, on February 5 of this year.
It is added that experts warn that the real figure may be much higher due to the “black figure.”
