PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – Puerto Vallarta, a leading tourist destination in Mexico, is gearing up for an intense winter season chiefly propelled by the Canadian market—its second most significant international contributor. The anticipated surge places Puerto Vallarta within the top three destinations nationwide for attracting Canadian tourists.
In preparation for the winter season, major Canadian airlines, including Transat, WestJet, Sunwing, and Air Canada, are increasing their seating capacity by up to 24%. Flights will be more accessible from Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg. This move is expected to aid Puerto Vallarta in achieving an annual average occupancy rate of at least 75%.
As of August this year, Puerto Vallarta had already welcomed 304,788 Canadian visitors, surpassing the annual total for 2022 by approximately 2.15%, when 298,358 Canadian visitors were recorded.
At a national level, Mexico expects the arrival of 2.3 million Canadian tourists via air by the end of 2023, marking a growth of 32.9% compared to 2022 and a modest recovery of 1.2% against 2019 numbers. Furthermore, tourism expenditure by Canadians is forecasted to reach 2,701 million dollars, an astounding 38.6% higher than in 2022 and 15.5% greater than expenditures in 2019.
Luis Villaseñor, the General Director of the Public Trust for the Tourism Promotion and Advertising of the Municipality of Puerto Vallarta, stated, “The growth of Canadian tourism to Mexico, particularly Puerto Vallarta, mirrors the confidence and resilience of the Port projects. As we approach this winter season, we eagerly await our visitors to experience the unrivaled hospitality, gastronomy, and the plethora of activities, numbering over 50, that this remarkable destination offers.”
Known as the “Green Pearl of the Pacific,” Puerto Vallarta is not merely a hotspot for Canadian tourists. The destination has reported the arrival of 2,863,800 international passengers during the first nine months of 2023. This represents a 10.7% increase compared to the same period last year, breaking the previous record of 2,587,600 arrivals and further cementing its status as a favorite among international travelers.
As Puerto Vallarta readies itself for the winter influx, the combined efforts from airlines, the tourism industry, and the government indicate a promising season ahead, not only fortifying its position in the Canadian market but also in the international tourism landscape.
