Background on Key Figures and Relevance
The article discusses the shift in air traffic from the United States to Canada for routes leading to Mexico’s Caribbean destinations, specifically focusing on Cancún as a major tourist hub.
Francisco Madrid, director of the Advanced Tourism Sustainability Research Center (STARC) at Anáhuac University, plays a crucial role in analyzing the changing trends. His insights are vital in understanding the reasons behind this shift.
Andrés Martínez Reynoso, Director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council, is responsible for promoting Cancún and other destinations in Quintana Roo. His anticipation of increased promotional efforts in Canada highlights the growing importance of this market.
Key Trends in Air Traffic
In 2025, the Cancún-Toronto and Cancún-Montreal routes experienced significant growth of 26.1% and 24%, respectively, while the Cancún-Chicago route saw an 11.7% decline.
- Cancún-Toronto: 26.1% growth
- Cancún-Montreal: 24% growth
- Cancún-Chicago: -11.7% decline
- Atlanta-Cancún: -2% decline
These changes are part of a broader trend where Canadian travelers are opting for Mexican Caribbean destinations instead of traditional US routes like Cancún-Dallas (-4.5%) and Cancún-Houston.
Reasons Behind the Shift
One of the primary reasons for this shift is the growing discontent among Canadians towards the policies and rhetoric of former US President Donald Trump. Some Canadians have even considered the possibility of their country joining the United States, leading to a reevaluation of travel preferences.
Canadian travelers are now favoring Mexico’s Caribbean destinations, which have experienced a double-digit increase in air traffic. This shift is attributed to the appeal of Mexico’s warm climate, beautiful beaches, and diverse tourist offerings.
Future Promotional Efforts
Andrés Martínez Reynoso, Director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council, plans to intensify promotional activities in Canada. This move aims to capitalize on the burgeoning Canadian market and increase flight frequencies to the 19 direct destinations currently served by Cancún.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the key figures mentioned in the article? Francisco Madrid, director of STARC at Anáhuac University, and Andrés Martínez Reynoso, Director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council.
- What is the main reason for the shift in air traffic from the US to Canada? The growing discontent among Canadians towards former President Donald Trump’s policies and rhetoric.
- Which routes experienced growth, and which ones saw a decline? Cancún-Toronto and Cancún-Montreal routes grew by 26.1% and 24%, respectively, while Cancún-Chicago declined by 11.7% and Atlanta-Cancún by 2%.
- What are the future plans for promoting Cancún in Canada? The Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council, led by Andrés Martínez Reynoso, intends to increase promotional efforts in Canada and boost flight frequencies to the 19 direct destinations currently served by Cancún.
