According to a Mexican tour operator, the visa restrictions imposed by Canada on Mexican travelers hinder the country’s potential as a significant tourist market.
The Canadian government recognizes Mexico as an expanding tourism market and anticipates a 40 percent increase in visitors over the next four years, aiming for nearly 500,000 arrivals and approximately $1 billion in spending annually by 2030.
Although the number of Mexican tourists heading to Canada is on the rise, the reintroduction of visa requirements in late winter 2024 has notably affected the statistics, as stated by Jesus Martinez, general manager of Dream Destinations Mexico.
“We haven’t reached the desired numbers, but there is an upward trend,” Martinez mentioned in a conversation with CBC News.
He expressed that eliminating the visa requirement is on his “wish list,” but he remains skeptical about any imminent changes.
“It’s not something we can control,” said Sanchez, whose company creates tour packages for both agencies and individuals.
Initially, the visa requirement for Mexicans traveling to Canada was lifted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government in 2016, but it was later reinstated due to pressure from the U.S.
Mexicans can enter Canada by air if they possess a valid, non-immigrant U.S. visa or if they have held a Canadian visa within the last ten years, under an Electronic Travel Authorization.
‘Untapped’ potential
Darlene Fedoroshyn, executive director of international marketing with Travel Alberta, mentioned that Mexico has the potential to be a source of one million visitors annually for the province. (Tania Miranda Perez/CBC)
This week, Martinez participated in a speed-dating style event for Canadian and Mexican tour operators at a hotel in Mexico City, organized by Destination Canada, the federal agency dedicated to promoting tourism in Canada.
During the event, participants engaged in 12-minute one-on-one meetings to foster connections and explore business opportunities.
During one of the discussions, Martinez met with Tobias Barth, co-owner of Northern Lights Resort and Spa in Whitehorse.
“Considering aurora viewing, how does that function on a daily basis for visitors?” Sanchez inquired.
“That’s an excellent question,” Barth replied. “The major advantage of staying at Northern Lights Resort and Spa in the Yukon is that you don’t have to go anywhere… [Tourists] can view the northern lights right from their beds.”
Barth shared with CBC News that currently, Mexico ranks as the fourth-largest source of customers for the resort, following the U.S., domestic travelers, and Australian visitors.
Darlene Fedoroshyn, executive director of international marketing with Travel Alberta, reiterated that Mexico could potentially contribute one million visitors each year to the province.
“The potential remains largely untapped at this time,” Fedoroshyn stated. “The figures are remarkable, and we need to work on converting that interest into actual visits.”
Fedoroshyn acknowledged the visa requirement might pose challenges for some Mexicans looking to travel to Canada.
“We consistently advocate for making it easier for visitors to enter Canada, and we will collaborate closely with our federal and provincial governments to simplify the process for travelers,” she emphasized.
Mexican visitors at pre-pandemic levels
Canadian federal Tourism Minister Rechie Valdez stated that Canada is now experiencing levels of Mexican tourists comparable to those before the pandemic, with numbers continuing to rise. (Tania Miranda Perez/CBC)
At the Destination Canada event, Canadian federal Tourism Minister Rechie Valdez, who also serves as the minister of women and gender equality, was scheduled to meet with Mexico’s tourism secretary on Wednesday.
Valdez avoided answering CBC’s inquiries about the possibility of Canada lifting the visa requirement for Mexican tourists.
She noted that Canada is currently seeing pre-pandemic levels of Mexican visitors and that these figures are on the rise. Valdez indicated that she would relay any insights she gathers during her visit to Mexico to her cabinet colleagues upon her return to Ottawa.
“It is crucial for us to ensure we are doing everything possible to support the growth and resilience of our tourism sector,” she concluded.