With the goal of positioning Rosarito as a strategic destination for Health and Wellness Tourism, four major private-sector healthcare infrastructure projects are slated for development in 2026.
The announcement was made by Atzimba Villegas, president of the Health Tourism Association, during a meeting hosted by Cámara Nacional de Comercio, Servicios y Turismo de Rosarito, where she presented the sector’s current landscape and future outlook supported by data and strategic studies.
The Projects
Among the most significant proposals is the region’s first privately funded oncology center, planned for construction near the Baja California Center. The facility would be the first hospital in the area assembled with infrastructure imported from Germany.
A second project involves the development of a comprehensive hospital specializing in bariatric surgery and additional medical specialties.
The third proposal comes from a chain of specialty hospitals planning to invest in Rosarito with an 8,000-square-meter, eight-story facility equipped with five operating rooms designed to serve multiple specialties.
The fourth initiative consists of a medical tower that would house specialty and subspecialty services, as well as diagnostic and imaging facilities.
Rosarito on the Medical Tourism Map
Currently, Rosarito accounts for 12 percent of medical tourism arrivals in Baja California. During the presentation, the municipality was described as the “capital” of the American baby boomer population, representing a key opportunity to serve older adults in need of specialized medical care.
It was also noted that several U.S. insurance plans no longer cover certain conditions, creating additional opportunities for Mexico to expand its medical tourism sector.
The association is proposing the creation of Economic Districts focused on Health Tourism to further stimulate economic development and tourism growth in Baja California.
In addition, the establishment of a Health Tourism Commission within CANACO Rosarito was suggested, a move that would help integrate medical service providers and strengthen promotion of the sector.
According to projections shared at the meeting, Health Tourism could grow by 27 percent by 2030, generating significant economic impact. Across the state, there are 370 comprehensive hospitals, surgical units, short-stay clinics, wellness centers, spas, laboratories, diagnostic facilities, and recovery and retirement homes.
The city of Tijuana concentrates 57 percent of Baja California’s health tourism activity and is home to more than 8,000 medical service providers—highlighting the importance of a sector that also benefits hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and other related businesses.