Mexico. In an environment where user experience has become the main differentiator, the hospitality sector is preparing for one of its biggest challenges in the coming years: the high demand associated with global events such as the 2026 FIFA Cup.
For Panduit, technological modernization is emerging as an essential component to ensure efficient operations and experiences that meet millions of visitors.
The hotel industry in Mexico and Latin America is facing increasing pressure to offer high-speed connectivity, optimize energy consumption and respond to increasingly demanding occupancy peaks. In contexts such as the FIFA Cup, where the demand for digital services is multiplying, having robust technological infrastructures becomes a key operational requirement.
In this sense, the growth in demand for technological solutions has been constant in recent years, particularly driven by the renovation of infrastructure that is more than two decades old. By 2026, the sector's focus is on managed energy systems and the expansion of grid capacity to support the exponential increase in data consumption, especially in scenarios of high concentration of users.
"Technological modernization is no longer a differentiating element and has become a standard. Today, technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and data-based personalization are redefining hotel operations," says Juan Pablo Borray, Panduit enterprise business manager.
"In the face of large-scale events, such as the 2026 FIFA Cup, this transformation becomes even more relevant, as hotels must be prepared to operate with unprecedented levels of demand and connectivity," he adds.
By 2026, it is estimated that digital solutions, such as artificial intelligence, data-driven personalization, and automation, will no longer be perceived as an added value and will be consolidated as basic requirements within the hotel operation. However, about 54% of establishments in Mexico still face technical specialization challenges, which shows a significant gap and, at the same time, drives a growing demand for consulting services and installation of robust physical infrastructure.
Currently, hotels prioritize three fundamental pillars: energy efficiency, high network performance and sustainability. In this context, the sector has entered a cycle of technological expansion in which investment is focused on developing more "conscious" and efficient buildings, capable of generating operational savings, both in energy consumption and maintenance, which justify the initial investment in high-performance infrastructure.
Among the most requested solutions are Class 4 (Fault Managed Power) power systems, high-performance fiber optic and copper connectivity, as well as infrastructures designed for smart buildings that allow centralized management of services. These technologies enable everything from IoT ecosystems to advanced networks such as Wi-Fi 7.
Beyond the internal operation, the technological infrastructure has become the invisible basis of the guest experience. From automated check-in processes to rooms that adjust lighting and temperature in a personalized way, technology allows friction to be eliminated and service standards to be raised.
At the operational level, the implementation of interconnected devices offers tangible benefits, such as predictive maintenance and significant reduction in energy consumption. This allows hotels to optimize resources, prevent critical failures, and improve overall business efficiency.
Looking ahead, the sector is aiming for a deeper integration of artificial intelligence and data analysis tools for decision-making. Likewise, the deployment of high-speed networks such as 10 Gbps standards and the use of infrastructure as a tool for decarbonization will mark the evolution of smart hotels in the coming years.
In this process, network infrastructure plays a critical role by functioning as the building's "nervous system." Without a solid physical foundation, digital solutions cannot operate efficiently or reliably, making it the key enabler of smart spaces.
In Latin America, countries such as Mexico, Brazil and various regions of the Caribbean are leading the adoption of these technologies, especially in high-impact tourist destinations and urban centers in the process of modernization.
The proximity of the 2026 FIFA Cup has further accelerated these processes. In Mexico, more than 3,400 new luxury rooms are projected to be added between 2024 and 2026, forcing hotels to modernize their infrastructure to support high volumes of connectivity, high-resolution content consumption, and contactless services, such as digital keys and automated check-in.
Against this backdrop, the recommendation for hotels is clear: build a solid technological foundation that guarantees scalability, integrate all systems under converged networks, and leverage data analytics to offer more personalized and efficient experiences.
The evolution of the hospitality sector is already underway. Today, more than ever, technology supports the hotel operation and defines the quality of the experience and the future of the industry.
