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Los Cabos Joins Jalisco, La Paz, Quintana Roo and CancÃºn as an Icon Boosting Mexico Tourism with New Routes, Easy Access and Visa Perks as Canadians Flock AfterÂ DitchingÂ theÂ US

24 Aug 2025 By travelandtourworld

Los Cabos joins Jalisco, La Paz, Quintana Roo and CancÃƒÂºn as an icon boosting Mexico tourism with new routes, easy access and visa perks as Canadians flock after ditching the US. This remarkable shift highlights how Mexico has emerged as the preferred destination for Canadian travellers.

Los Cabos is rising as a tourism icon, supported by world-class resorts, pristine beaches, and eco-adventures. At the same time, Jalisco offers cultural richness with Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, while La Paz focuses on sustainable marine experiences. Quintana Roo and CancÃƒÂºn remain strong beach gateways, and together they show how Mexico is boosting its profile on the world stage.

The headline story is simple but powerful. Canadians are choosing Mexico because of new airline routes, better connectivity, and visa-free access that makes travel easy. By offering an icon mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure, Mexico is now supercharging its tourism industry. Easy access and visa perks give Canadians more confidence to book longer trips.

This movement is not temporary. The trend is supported by record visitor arrivals, higher spending, and more direct connections. Each region plays its role. Los Cabos brings luxury, Jalisco offers heritage, La Paz provides eco-tourism, and Quintana Roo with CancÃƒÂºn ensures global visibility. Canadians flock after ditching the US because Mexico delivers what they want: value, warmth, and world-class experiences.

Mexico is seeing a remarkable tourism boom in 2025, powered by a sharp rise in Canadian visitors. In the first half of the year, nearly 2 million Canadians flew into Mexican destinations, marking an almost 12% increase compared with 2024. This surge makes Canada the second-largest source of air arrivals after the United States, but unlike the US, Canadian numbers are climbing fast. The reasons are clear. Political tensions with the US, new direct flights, expanding airports, and attractive resort destinations are steering Canadians to Mexico in record numbers. MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s government is now setting its sights on becoming one of the worldÃ¢Â€Â™s top five most-visited destinations, and Canadian travellers are at the heart of this ambition.

One of the most striking examples of growth is in Los Cabos, located at the tip of Baja California Sur. In early 2025, Canadian arrivals jumped by about 12%, with January alone marking the highest number of Canadian visitors in two years. Los Cabos has positioned itself as a premium destination for North Americans, with luxury resorts, golf courses, and world-class beaches. For Canadians looking for an alternative to California, Los Cabos offers familiar comforts with a friendlier welcome. Airlines have increased capacity, making it easier for Canadians from Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto to reach the region directly. The result is a fast-growing Canadian footprint in this Pacific paradise.

Los Cabos has become one of MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s most popular destinations in 2025. With its stunning beaches, world-famous landmarks, rich culture, and eco-adventures, the city is attracting visitors from across the globe. Canadians and Americans continue to see Los Cabos as a top choice, especially as connectivity improves with new flights. This report explores the main tourist attractions that are powering the cityÃ¢Â€Â™s tourism boom.

The most recognisable symbol of Los Cabos is El Arco, or The Arch. This dramatic rock formation sits at LandÃ¢Â€Â™s End, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. Tourists take boat tours to see the arch up close, often spotting sea lions along the way. At sunset, the view is unforgettable. LandÃ¢Â€Â™s End also offers rugged cliffs and hidden beaches that make it a photographerÃ¢Â€Â™s dream. Together, these landmarks represent the natural beauty that defines Los Cabos.

Los Cabos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. Medano Beach is the heart of Cabo San Lucas, filled with swimmers, water sports, and lively beach clubs. For those seeking calmer waters, Chileno Bay is perfect for snorkelling, with clear waters and colourful marine life. Nearby Santa Maria Beach is a quieter bay where families enjoy safe swimming. These beaches show the variety Los Cabos offers, from vibrant activity to peaceful relaxation.

Los Cabos is not only about the sea. San JosÃƒÂ© del Cabo gives visitors a taste of history and culture. Its colonial streets are filled with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Every Thursday night, the town hosts an art walk, where tourists explore local creativity. The contrast between lively Cabo San Lucas and artistic San JosÃƒÂ© makes Los Cabos unique. It balances luxury resorts with authentic Mexican culture.

Nature lovers find Los Cabos irresistible. Cabo Pulmo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects one of North AmericaÃ¢Â€Â™s oldest coral reefs. Divers and snorkellers see a rich underwater world of fish, turtles, and even sharks. From December to April, Los Cabos becomes one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Humpback and grey whales migrate through the waters, and boat tours bring tourists close to these gentle giants. These eco-attractions show how Los Cabos blends adventure with conservation.

Los Cabos is also a playground for golfers and luxury seekers. The region has championship courses designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Many courses overlook the ocean, combining sport with stunning scenery. Luxury resorts, spas, and fine dining complete the experience, making Los Cabos a destination that caters to both relaxation and adventure.

The state of Jalisco has also seen a boom in Canadian tourism. Puerto Vallarta, a long-time favourite, now welcomes about one in three of its international visitors from Canada. In 2024, more than 490,000 Canadians arrived by air, representing a 57% increase compared with 2022. This growth has continued into 2025, helped by airlines expanding connections. Porter Airlines, Flair Airlines, Air Canada, Air Transat, and WestJet have all added flights linking Canadian cities to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. For Guadalajara, which once had only two Canadian routes, the number has increased to five. This connectivity makes it easier for Canadians to enjoy both the beaches of Puerto Vallarta and the cultural heritage of Guadalajara.

CancÃƒÂºn is still the busiest tourist gateway in Mexico. In 2024 it welcomed more than 30 million passengers, a 7% rise from the previous year. By the first five months of 2025, CancÃƒÂºn had already recorded over 13 million arrivals, with more than 9 million international visitors and almost 4 million domestic passengers. These numbers show that CancÃƒÂºn remains the most important point of entry for leisure travellers.

What makes CancÃƒÂºn so popular is its combination of beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and proximity to the Riviera Maya. Visitors can enjoy world-class hotels, swim in cenotes, or visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum and ChichÃƒÂ©n ItzÃƒÂ¡. The opening of Tulum International Airport has reduced transfer times and strengthened the regionÃ¢Â€Â™s appeal. For Canadians and Americans, CancÃƒÂºn and Tulum are easier to reach than ever before.

Mexico City International Airport processed more than 45 million passengers in 2024, including 28 million domestic and 17 million international travellers. This underlines the capitalÃ¢Â€Â™s role as a hub not only for business but also for tourism. The city offers history, museums, art, and cuisine on a scale unmatched in Latin America.

GuadalajaraÃ¢Â€Â™s airport handled almost 18 million passengers in 2024, making it one of the busiest in the country. The city is known as the home of mariachi music and tequila. Visitors enjoy cultural festivals, sporting events, and a lively urban scene. New direct flights from Canadian and US cities are boosting arrivals further in 2025.

Guadalajara also acts as a gateway to JaliscoÃ¢Â€Â™s wider attractions. Puerto Vallarta, located on the stateÃ¢Â€Â™s Pacific coast, benefits from this connectivity. Travellers often combine city and beach experiences, moving between Guadalajara and the Bay of Banderas. The growing number of flights shows the importance of Jalisco in MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s tourism map.

Los Cabos International Airport processed around 7.5 million passengers in 2024. Early 2025 data shows a surge in Canadian arrivals, with January marking the highest Canadian numbers in two years. Los Cabos offers a mix of luxury resorts, golf courses, and eco-adventures. Its desert landscape meets the Pacific Ocean, creating a dramatic backdrop for holidaymakers.

Airlines from the United States and Canada are increasing capacity to Los Cabos. New routes from West Coast cities such as Los Angeles and Vancouver are bringing in more visitors. Los Cabos is also attracting higher-spending travellers, which raises local revenue and supports investment in hotels and infrastructure.

Puerto Vallarta welcomed almost 7 million passengers in 2024, showing steady growth on the Pacific side of Mexico. About one in three international visitors to Puerto Vallarta comes from Canada, underlining the strength of that market. In 2025, new routes from Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary are improving access.

The city combines beaches with a vibrant old town and strong eco-tourism. Whale-watching, jungle tours, and cultural festivals make Puerto Vallarta more than just a resort destination. The surrounding Riviera Nayarit region is also benefiting from Canadian carriers such as WestJet and Air Transat adding flights. These services diversify MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s Pacific tourism and spread the benefits beyond Jalisco.

MÃƒÂ©rida, the capital of YucatÃƒÂ¡n, handled around 3.7 million passengers in 2024. It is emerging as a cultural hub for heritage tourism. Canadians and Europeans are increasingly attracted by its colonial architecture, gastronomy, and proximity to Mayan sites. New links from Guatemala and Belize are building a regional tourism circuit across the Mundo Maya.

MÃƒÂ©rida shows how international arrivals are not just about beaches. Its museums, markets, and historical districts create a different kind of tourism product. Visitors who arrive through CancÃƒÂºn are also beginning to extend their trips to include MÃƒÂ©rida. The city is positioning itself as a key stop for cultural tourism in southern Mexico.

Oaxaca International Airport processed around 1.8 million passengers in 2024, reflecting growing interest in the regionÃ¢Â€Â™s cultural and culinary offerings. Oaxaca City is famous for its Day of the Dead celebrations, artisanal crafts, and archaeological sites such as Monte AlbÃƒÂ¡n.

In 2025, airlines are opening new routes to Oaxaca and the Pacific resort of Huatulco. American Airlines is connecting DallasÃ¢Â€Â“Fort Worth to Puerto Escondido from December 2025, putting OaxacaÃ¢Â€Â™s beaches directly on the international tourism map. These developments will increase visitor numbers and broaden the range of experiences available in Oaxaca.

La Paz in Baja California Sur processed around 1.2 million passengers in 2024. While smaller than Los Cabos, La Paz is building a reputation as an eco-tourism destination. Its bay and islands are popular for diving, whale watching, and swimming with sea lions.

Alaska Airlines has launched a direct flight from Los Angeles to La Paz, giving the city a stronger international presence. This new route demonstrates how airlines are helping smaller destinations become more visible to US and Canadian tourists. With sustainable tourism as its focus, La Paz offers a different experience from larger resorts.

Cozumel received around 710,000 air passengers in 2024, supported by its role as a cruise hub. Its coral reefs attract divers from around the world. Direct flights from Canada and the United States keep it well connected.

Huatulco, another Pacific coastal town, handled about 850,000 passengers in 2024. It is less crowded than CancÃƒÂºn or Los Cabos, but airlines are adding seasonal flights from Central America and the United States. With its eco-friendly resorts and nine bays, Huatulco is emerging as a niche destination for tourists seeking quieter experiences.

The Riviera Maya, anchored by CancÃƒÂºn and Playa del Carmen, has always been a favourite with Canadians. Now, with the opening of Tulum International Airport in late 2024, travel to the region has become even more accessible. WestJet and other carriers have launched direct flights from Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary into Tulum, cutting travel times and eliminating long transfers. For Canadian families and winter travellers, this convenience is a game-changer. The Riviera Maya offers not only beaches but also the Mayan ruins of Tulum, cenote swimming, and eco-tourism adventures. The new airport ensures that the region will remain one of the top choices for Canadian holidaymakers.

A major reason behind this trend is the decline in Canadian travel to the United States. In the first half of 2025, Canadian trips to the US dropped by more than 30% by car and over 20% by air. Many Canadians cite hostility at US border points and the ongoing trade disputes between the two countries as reasons to avoid American destinations. States like Florida and California, once staples of Canadian winter tourism, are seeing fewer arrivals. Mexico, in contrast, is seen as welcoming, affordable, and well connected. The choice for many Canadian tourists is now between Mexican beaches and US restrictions, and the result is clear.

Canadian visitors show strong preferences for destinations that offer sun, sea, and culture. CancÃƒÂºn, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos remain the top four favourites. These regions combine luxury resorts with natural beauty and easy air connections. Canadians are also increasingly exploring Guadalajara for its mariachi traditions and tequila tours, as well as Mexico City for museums, gastronomy, and urban culture. Eco-tourism is also on the rise, with Canadians drawn to whale-watching in Baja California, cenote diving in YucatÃƒÂ¡n, and jungle adventures in Chiapas. For many, Mexico offers a blend of relaxation and discovery that cannot be matched elsewhere in North America.

Airline investment is central to the Canadian boom. WestJet has announced new services for winter 2025Ã¢Â€Â“26, including Calgary to Guadalajara, Calgary to Tepic in Nayarit, and Calgary to Cozumel. Air Transat will begin flying Montreal to Guadalajara in December 2025. Air Canada has also expanded capacity to Latin America, including new Mexican routes such as Toronto to Puerto Escondido. Flair Airlines has already opened Vancouver to Guadalajara and Toronto to Guadalajara services. With more seats and better schedules, Canadians now have a wide range of options for reaching Mexican destinations directly, without complex connections.

The launch of Tulum International Airport has transformed travel to the Riviera Maya. For decades, most visitors had to fly into CancÃƒÂºn and endure long transfers. That changed in 2024 when American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Spirit all began direct flights from major US cities including Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Newark, Houston, Orlando, and New York.

These direct flights cut travel time by more than an hour, making weekend trips and short holidays more attractive. For Canadians and Americans alike, Tulum is now an easier choice. Tourists can head straight from the plane to the beaches, ruins, and cenotes that make the region famous. By removing the transfer bottleneck, Tulum is driving higher visitor numbers and higher spending in the region.

This second gateway into the capital is vital. It spreads traffic, lowers fares, and gives tourists easier access to Mexico CityÃ¢Â€Â™s museums, history, and gastronomy. It also helps connect visitors from the US to other Mexican cities through low-cost carriers. For business and leisure travellers alike, AIFA is beginning to show its value as part of MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s long-term aviation strategy.

The US remains the largest source of international visitors to Mexico, and airlines are responding with fresh routes. American Airlines is launching Oklahoma CityÃ¢Â€Â™s first international service with a weekly CancÃƒÂºn flight in November 2025. The carrier is also opening a new route from DallasÃ¢Â€Â“Fort Worth to Puerto Escondido, a Pacific coastal city known for surfing and eco-tourism.

Alaska Airlines has expanded beyond traditional leisure hubs by adding flights from Los Angeles to La Paz and Monterrey. These services open Baja California Sur and northern Mexico to more US travellers. By bringing new origin cities and new destinations onto the map, airlines are spreading tourism beyond CancÃƒÂºn, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta. This diversification supports smaller communities and creates new opportunities for regional economies.

From Belize, Tropic Air continues to operate daily flights to CancÃƒÂºn. This service allows Belizean travellers to connect with MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s long-haul networks and makes two-country holiday packages possible. Tourists can now combine BelizeÃ¢Â€Â™s reefs with MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s beaches and ruins in one trip.

One reason Mexico is attractive to Canadians is its simple entry policy. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 180 days. A valid passport is enough, and most visitors simply receive a stamp on arrival. This contrasts with some neighbouring countries that require electronic authorisations or stricter permits. Cruise passengers arriving at Mexican ports are also visa-exempt. In Quintana Roo, which covers CancÃƒÂºn and Riviera Maya, travellers must pay a visitor tax known as VISITAX. The fee is about 283 pesos, or 15 to 19 US dollars, per person. It is used to support tourism infrastructure. For Canadian families, this is a small additional cost compared with the convenience of visa-free travel.

The numbers show how valuable Canadian visitors are to MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s economy. In the first half of 2025, international tourism brought in US$18.68 billion in foreign exchange, a 6.3% increase compared with last year. The average spend per air tourist was about US$1,280, up nearly 7%. These figures show that tourists are not only coming in greater numbers but also spending more. For Mexico, this means stronger revenues for hotels, restaurants, and attractions. It also means higher tax earnings through hotel occupancy taxes, airport fees, and state visitor levies. Quintana RooÃ¢Â€Â™s VISITAX alone generates millions annually to support development in one of the busiest tourist regions in the world.

MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s leaders see tourism as a pillar of national development. Tourism Minister Josefina RodrÃƒÂguez Zamora has described the recent growth as a solid base for the future. President Claudia Sheinbaum has set the goal of making Mexico one of the top five most-visited countries globally. With nearly 47.4 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, Mexico is already close to that target. CanadaÃ¢Â€Â™s rising share of arrivals is critical to this plan. If trends continue, Canada could eventually provide Mexico with more than 4 million visitors annually, rivaling traditional US dominance.

With rapid growth comes the challenge of sustainability. Mexican resorts and cities are investing heavily in new hotels, airports, and infrastructure. However, authorities must balance this with the need to protect natural and cultural heritage. Canadians are often interested in eco-friendly travel, and destinations that emphasise conservation may gain a competitive advantage. Puerto VallartaÃ¢Â€Â™s eco-tours, Riviera MayaÃ¢Â€Â™s cenote protections, and BajaÃ¢Â€Â™s whale sanctuaries show how Mexico can combine growth with responsibility. The challenge is ensuring that booming arrivals do not overwhelm local resources.

Mexico has reported a sharp rise in international visitors during the first half of 2025. The Tourism Ministry confirmed that 23.4 million international tourists entered the country by air between January and June. This was a 7.3% increase compared with the same period last year. Canada is leading the surge, with nearly 2 million Canadian tourists flying into Mexico in just six months. This represented an 11.8% jump compared with 2024. The United States remains the top market with 7.36 million visitors, but Canada is closing the gap as travellers increasingly choose Mexico over US destinations.

The growth in Canadian arrivals to Mexico is not a coincidence. It comes at a time when many Canadians are boycotting travel to the United States. The trade war between the two countries and what some travellers describe as hostile treatment by US authorities have discouraged visits. CanadaÃ¢Â€Â™s national statistics show that in the first half of 2025, Canadian trips to the US dropped by 33.1% by car and 22.1% by air. This steep fall has redirected tourist flows southwards into Mexico. Popular states like California and Florida have lost visitors, while Mexico has gained them.

The destinations gaining the most from this shift include the Baja California peninsula, Nayarit, and the Riviera Maya. These coastal regions offer sun, sand, and cultural experiences that rival anything found in Florida or California. Resorts, eco-tourism projects, and growing adventure travel options make them attractive to Canadians looking for alternatives. At the same time, development and investment in resort cities such as Puerto Vallarta have raised international visibility. Puerto Vallarta, in particular, is benefiting from new resorts, improved infrastructure, and expanding flight connectivity.

The Mexican state of Jalisco is at the centre of this transformation. Its capital, Guadalajara, has launched several new direct routes to Canada to meet demand. The number of flights from Guadalajara to Canadian cities has grown from two to five within a year. Air Transat will connect Guadalajara with Montreal, while Air Canada will operate GuadalajaraÃ¢Â€Â“Toronto flights. WestJet has also announced a new GuadalajaraÃ¢Â€Â“Calgary service. Flair Airlines has already launched flights linking Guadalajara to Vancouver and Toronto in 2024. This expanded network shows how Jalisco is adapting to tourism shifts by focusing on Canada as a priority market.

Puerto Vallarta, also in Jalisco, has become a favourite for Canadians seeking sun and luxury. With direct flights to Montreal, Calgary, and seasonal routes to Toronto, access is easier than ever. Resorts, beaches, and the natural beauty of Banderas Bay combine to make it one of the top destinations. Puerto VallartaÃ¢Â€Â™s tourism industry has invested heavily in new condominiums, modern resorts, and improved visitor facilities. These investments position the city as a safe and vibrant alternative to traditional US winter escapes. For Canadians avoiding US airports, Puerto Vallarta is now one of the easiest and most reliable choices.

MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s government sees these trends as proof of long-term growth. Tourism Minister Josefina RodrÃƒÂguez Zamora said the rise in arrivals is a strong base for continued expansion. She pointed to the launch of new international flights as a driver of growth. President Claudia Sheinbaum has placed tourism at the centre of her Plan MÃƒÂ©xico national development project, announced in January. Her goal is for Mexico to rank among the top five most-visited countries in the world. CanadaÃ¢Â€Â™s rising arrivals are critical in helping Mexico achieve this goal.

The report also highlighted that from January to June, the number of international arrivals by plane exceeded 11 million for the first time. This marks a historic milestone for MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s airport system. The increase demonstrates how improved flight connectivity is expanding capacity and attracting more travellers. Airlines are playing a major role in this transformation by launching direct services from Canadian cities into Mexican destinations that were once underserved. The emphasis on regional airports such as Guadalajara shows how tourism growth is spreading beyond traditional hubs like CancÃƒÂºn.

In contrast, the US is facing a serious problem. The sharp decline in Canadian visitors is being felt across states that have historically welcomed millions of Canadians during the winter. Florida and California are among the states hardest hit by the shift. With Canadians seeing more friendly policies and better value in Mexico, US tourism officials are under pressure to respond. Airlines, meanwhile, are redeploying capacity. Canadian carriers are increasing flights into Mexico while scaling back some US routes. This competitive shift could permanently reshape North American tourism patterns.

For Mexico, Canadian visitors are now a core driver of tourism revenue. Nearly 2 million Canadian arrivals in just six months bring significant spending to hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Average spend per tourist is higher than many other markets, particularly because Canadians stay longer during the winter months. The economic and social benefits ripple into local communities. From Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara and the Riviera Maya, Canadian visitors support jobs, encourage new investment, and fuel infrastructure growth.

The challenge for Mexico will be to sustain this growth without overstretching resources. Rising numbers of Canadian tourists are good for the economy, but they also demand improvements in airport facilities, public transport, and sustainability. Mexico will need to balance mass tourism with protection of natural and cultural heritage. At the same time, the country has an opportunity to brand itself as the preferred alternative for Canadians seeking winter sun. With new flights, more investment, and strong government support, Mexico is on track to achieve record tourism levels in 2025.

MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s tourism industry is enjoying a surge, fuelled by Canadians who are choosing Mexico over the United States. With a nearly 12% rise in Canadian arrivals in the first half of 2025, Canada has become MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s fastest-growing market. Political tensions, new flight routes, and investment in resorts have made the shift possible. From Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara, Mexico is seizing the opportunity to attract Canadian tourists. At the same time, US tourism is losing ground, facing serious challenges as Canadian travellers take their business elsewhere. For Mexico, the goal of becoming a top-five world destination is now within reach, powered in part by loyal Canadian visitors.

MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s tourism boom in 2025 is being driven in large part by Canadians. With arrivals up by almost 12% in just six months, Canada has become MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s fastest-growing market. New routes from Canadian cities, the opening of Tulum International Airport, and the appeal of destinations like Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, CancÃƒÂºn, and Riviera Maya are fuelling the surge. Political tensions with the US have further accelerated the shift. Canadians are now spending more, staying longer, and supporting MexicoÃ¢Â€Â™s rise as a global tourism leader. For Mexico, the combination of new infrastructure, favourable visa rules, and record spending is a clear sign that the country is on track to become one of the worldÃ¢Â€Â™s top five destinations. For Canadians, Mexico has become the new favourite winter escape, offering warmth, culture, and value.