Strengthening Economic and Touristic Links Ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup
In the context of a review of the T-MEC agreement and prior to hosting the FIFA 2026 World Cup, where all three countries will serve as host nations, Jalisco has bolstered its air connectivity with Canada. This move aims to enhance economic and tourism ties.
Michelle Fridman Hirsch, Secretary of Tourism for Jalisco (SECTURJAL)
Michelle Fridman Hirsch, the Secretary of Tourism for Jalisco, reported that from January to September 2025, the Canadian market saw an 8% increase in arrivals to the region. The projection is for double-digit growth by year’s end, with new flight routes and the onset of winter high season.
“With the newly inaugurated flights… there are many new routes that, with the winter high season, will drive double-digit growth for us. This positive approach is why we’re committed to strengthening these flights on both sides,” Fridman Hirsch emphasized.
She explained that when the current state administration began, they observed post-pandemic market behavior and noticed some significant markets slowing down while others grew. Among the promising markets was Canada, prompting swift action to engage with airlines.
New Flight Routes to Major Canadian Airports
With the addition of new flights, Guadalajara is now connected to all four major Canadian airports: Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
- Guadalajara-Calgary: Operated by WestJet, with two weekly frequencies starting December.
- Guadalajara-Montreal: Operated by Air Transat, with two weekly flights starting December.
- Guadalajara-Toronto: Operated by Air Canada, with three weekly flights starting November.
- Guadalajara-Vancouver: Operated by Flair Airlines, with daily frequency.
Puerto Vallarta’s Strong Canadian Connectivity
Puerto Vallarta maintains 16 active routes to Canadian airports, solidifying its position as one of the top international connection points for Canada.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the context of this news? Jalisco is strengthening its air connectivity with Canada ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, where all three host countries (Mexico, USA, and Canada) will participate.
- Who is Michelle Fridman Hirsch? She is the Secretary of Tourism for Jalisco, responsible for promoting and developing tourism in the region.
- What new flight routes have been established?
- Guadalajara-Calgary (WestJet, 2 weekly frequencies starting December)
- Guadalajara-Montreal (Air Transat, 2 weekly flights starting December)
- Guadalajara-Toronto (Air Canada, 3 weekly flights starting November)
- Guadalajara-Vancouver (Flair Airlines, daily frequency)
- How many active routes does Puerto Vallarta have to Canadian airports? Puerto Vallarta maintains 16 active routes to Canadian airports, making it a significant international connection point for Canada.
