AMDETUR 2026 Highlights Innovation in Vacation Ownership
Two-day congress focused on innovation, technology, investment and the future of Mexico’s vacation ownership industry
More than 350 vacation ownership professionals gathered in Mexico City for the 2026 AMDETUR Congress, a two-day event focused on the trends, technologies and partnerships shaping the industry’s future.
Delegates represented industry associations, developers and service providers from across the vacation ownership sector. Programming explored artificial intelligence, digital transformation, investment, demand generation, product innovation and the evolving customer experience.
Marcos Agostini, president of the board of directors for AMDETUR and executive vice president and managing director of Interval International, reflected on the event in a recent LinkedIn post.
Agostini said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm surrounding new ideas, the willingness of attendees to collaborate and the industry’s shared commitment to creating greater value for travelers and owners who continue to choose Mexico as a leading vacation destination.
The theme of this year’s congress was “Opening New Pathways,” a message reflected throughout the educational sessions, business conversations and professional connections made during the event.
“Innovation is not just about new ideas,” Agostini said. “It is about the willingness to try, the ability to reflect on what has worked in the past, and the courage to work together to move those ideas forward.”
Topics presented during the congress included Mexico’s economic and tourism outlook, the use of social intelligence to understand public perceptions of timeshare, artificial intelligence in hospitality, new approaches to demand generation and the relationship between traditional hospitality and vacation ownership.
Speakers also examined the role of technology, data and artificial intelligence in resort operations, along with strategies for creating new vacation ownership products and delivering stronger experiences for members.
Industry professionals responding to Agostini’s recap echoed its focus on continued progress. Julia Linares of Interval International summarized the message simply: “Never stop innovating and pivoting!”
Robert Kistner Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
A highlight of the congress was the presentation of AMDETUR’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Robert Kistner Sr., a respected pioneer of Mexico’s vacation ownership industry.
Agostini led a conversation with Kistner during the event, recognizing a career spanning more than 35 years. Kistner’s leadership and vision have contributed to the growth and professionalization of vacation ownership throughout Mexico, while his mentorship has influenced many of the professionals working in the industry today.
Agostini described the recognition as well deserved and congratulated Kistner on the honor.
Collaboration Creates New Opportunities
The congress brought together leaders from throughout the Mexican and international vacation ownership communities, encouraging the exchange of research, ideas and operating strategies.
Discussions emphasized that technology alone will not determine the industry’s future. Progress will also depend on strong partnerships, thoughtful leadership and a willingness to apply new tools in ways that produce meaningful value for owners, travelers and resort organizations.
Agostini thanked Daniel Linares and the AMDETUR leadership team for their work in organizing the congress. He also recognized Interval International’s Mexico-based team for its continuing support of clients and the vacation ownership industry throughout the country.
The 2026 AMDETUR Congress concluded with optimism about the opportunities ahead and a reminder that innovation becomes meaningful when organizations are willing to test ideas, learn from experience and work together.
AMDETUR plans to hold its next annual congress in Cancún in 2027.
