New Air Routes to Toronto and Montreal Announced
Guadalajara, Jalisco. The number of Canadian passengers traveling to the US has seen a decline in the first few months of the year, prompting Jalisco to target these travelers, according to Michelle Fridman, the Secretary of Tourism for Jalisco (Secturjal).
Fridman announced the establishment of two new air routes connecting Guadalajara and Jalisco with Canada, alongside increased frequencies to Puerto Vallarta.
“There’s a contraction in the Canadian market traveling to the US and choosing Mexico as an immediate, nearby, diverse destination where they feel very welcome. Naturally, Jalisco wanted to step forward and tell Canadians, ‘Here we are, and we’re eagerly awaiting your arrival,'” Fridman stated.
Recognizing Opportunities
Following several meetings with airline representatives and Canadian tourism offices, Secturjal identified significant opportunities for Jalisco.
“In recent months, Puerto Vallarta has become the fourth most-searched destination in Mexico by the Canadian market, with almost a 20% growth in searches. Guadalajara has seen a 34% increase in searches,” Fridman Hirsch explained.
Expanding Air Connectivity
Fridman reiterated the announcement of two new routes linking Jalisco to Canada by the end of this year.
- Air Transat will introduce a direct Montreal-Guadalajara route with two weekly frequencies starting in December.
- Air Canada will make its first-ever landing in Guadalajara with three direct weekly flights to Toronto beginning in November.
- There will also be an increase in frequency for existing routes from Vancouver to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
With these new operations and increased frequencies, Jalisco will reach over 775,000 annual arrival seats from Canada.
“Our state welcomes 17 Canadian airports. In 2024, we expect 490,000 Canadians, representing a 57% increase from 2022. So far this year, we’re already 5% ahead of last year with 258,000 Canadians by March. With the new routes, we’re certainly set to grow significantly in this market this year,” Fridman concluded.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the issue at hand? The number of Canadian travelers going to the US has decreased, and Jalisco aims to attract these tourists.
- Who announced the new air routes? Michelle Fridman, Secretary of Tourism for Jalisco (Secturjal), announced the new routes.
- Which Canadian cities will have direct flights to Jalisco? Montreal and Toronto.
- What is the expected growth in Canadian arrivals to Jalisco? Over 775,000 annual arrival seats from Canada.
- Why is Jalisco targeting Canadian tourists? Mexico has become an immediate, nearby, and diverse destination for Canadians seeking alternatives to the US.
