TV Azteca series leverages World Cup spotlight to inspire future travel
Brittany Johnstone
July 10, 2026
Visit California has developed a new custom social video series with Mexican broadcast giant TV Azteca, leveraging the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to inspire future travel to California. Designed to build long-term destination awareness in one of California's most important international markets, the three-part series showcases the state's host cities alongside nearby regional experiences, encouraging Mexican travelers to turn their World Cup excitement into future California vacations.
Hosted by TV Azteca sportscasters Omar Villarreal and Pablo de Rubens, the series highlights California's diverse destinations through a mix of iconic attractions, local businesses and authentic experiences. With global attention focused on California during the tournament, the campaign reaches consumers at a key moment for travel inspiration and trip planning.
Filmed across the state, the series showcases California's cultural diversity, scenic landscapes and distinct regional character through destinations that extend beyond the tournament host cities.
Featured locations include:
- San Francisco: Blazing Saddles Bike Rental & Tours, the Exploratorium, Crissy Field, and Waterbar.
- The Santa Ynez Valley: The City of Solvang, Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor, Solvang EV Cruisers, Solvang Restaurant, The Landsby Hotel, and Rusack Vineyards.
- Los Angeles: Paradise Cove Beach Cafe in Malibu and Grand Central Market.
The campaign is being distributed across Meta, TikTok and YouTube, where it is expected to generate nearly 10 million impressions. By pairing California's travel experiences with one of the world's biggest sporting events, the partnership strengthens the state's presence in Mexico while inspiring travelers to discover destinations throughout the Golden State.
The series is now live and reflects the collaboration between Visit California, regional destination partners and local assessed businesses working together to showcase the breadth of experiences California has to offer.
