Guadalajara has been named to the shortlist of three cities worldwide vying to host the Gay Games XII in 2026. Host cities are chosen based upon their support of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as their cultural and leisure offerings, and their ability to provide a welcoming and fun experience to the thousands of athletes and spectators that flock to the games. A record number of 20 cities from around the world expressed interest in hosting the 2026 Gay Games, which stands to have a considerable economic impact on the host city. The most recent games, held in Paris in 2018, had a total economic impact of US $117.9 million, generating more than US $72 million for the local tourism and hospitality industries.
“We are thrilled that Guadalajara has been recognized a finalist to host the Gay Games XII, as the city has long been committed to furthering equality and offering an exceptional destination experience to LGBTQ+ visitors,” said Gustavo Staufert CEO Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We would be overjoyed to host an event of this magnitude celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. The Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau wholeheartedly supports the Gay Games’ core principle of ‘Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best™,’ and hope to see these qualities on display in a big way in 2026.”
Guadalajara was also on the shortlist in 2017 for the upcoming Gay Games XI, which will be hosted by Hong Kong in November 2022. The next step in the bid process consists of site inspections which will begin in June 2021, depending on the status of COVID-19. The final vote determining the host of Gay Games XII will take place at the Federation of Gay Games’ Annual General Assembly meeting in Hong Kong in November 2021.
