Mazatlán projects 20-30% increase in Canadian visitors for winter season

Mazatlán officials announced strong projections for the upcoming high season during the 2025 edition of Fiesta Amigos Mazatlán, with Canadian arrivals expected to jump 20% to 30% this winter alongside continued growth from U.S. markets.

The surge is supported by expanded airlift from both countries. 

WestJet restarted its Calgary–Mazatlán route as a year-round service through at least October 2026, transitioning from its previous seasonal schedule. 

Combined with Sunwing operations, Mazatlán now has direct service from nine Canadian cities, from Vancouver to Montreal.

"The increased attention we're receiving from WestJet and Sunwing—and the overall interest from the U.S. market—shows that Mazatlán's authenticity continues to resonate," said Carlos Berdegué Sacrista, president of the Hotel Association of Mazatlán.

The destination is also seeing sustained growth from its largest international source market, the United States, with key feeder states including Texas, California, Arizona and Illinois.

Mireya Sosa Osuna, tourism minister of the State of Sinaloa, emphasized Mazatlán's appeal beyond beach tourism. 

"Mazatlán is a destination of sun, sea and a historic centre. We are very proud of it," she said.

Sosa Osuna highlighted the destination's protected colonial quarter, where building facades must be preserved by law, as well as ongoing infrastructure investment. 

This year, Mazatlán has welcomed 79 cruise ship calls and offers 190 hotels totaling more than 14,000 rooms, with 11 new hotels under construction. 

The destination features the largest aquarium in Latin America, the longest zipline in Mexico and hosts one of the world's three largest carnivals.

Barbara Polanco of WestJet Vacations noted that Mazatlán remains underappreciated in the Canadian market. 

"This is a great alternative for sun, beach and culture," she said. 

"It's a very authentic and unique destination that should not be forgotten."

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