Puerto Vallarta is firmly establishing itself as a top choice for Canadian vacationers, a distinction underscored by remarkable growth in visitor numbers, the introduction of exciting new air routes, and a major airport modernization project focused on sustainability.
Mexico’s Pacific Coast is increasingly favored by Canadian tourism, driven by growing air travel options, expanding amenities, and a diverse range of travel experiences. The numbers speak for themselves: from January to June 2025, the arrival of Canadian tourists surged by almost 12% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 1.6 million visitors.
This local boom reflects a national trend. According to Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism, the country welcomed 45 million international tourists in 2024. Of that total, 2.64 million arrived by air from Canada, marking a strong 7.1% annual increase. Puerto Vallarta’s International Airport (PVR) played a key role, ranking among the top five Mexican airports for international traffic, handling 3.9 million foreign travelers in 2024.
The momentum is set to continue as the city prepares for the arrival of Porter Airlines. The carrier will launch direct routes from Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton during the 2025–2026 winter season. With these additions, PVR will connect travelers to 17 Canadian cities and a total of 56 destinations across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
This expanded service reinforces the airport’s essential role as an international hub. The growing relationship with Canada has quickly become one of the main drivers of development for the entire Puerto Vallarta–Riviera Nayarit tourism corridor, with PVR ranking second nationwide in arrivals of Canadian travelers.
To accommodate this growth and prepare for the future, the airport is undergoing an impressive 9.2 billion pesos (US$492 million) modernization enterprise. The project includes the construction of a massive new 74,000 square-meter terminal with 15 additional boarding gates and new access roads.
This initiative isn’t just about size; it’s focused on sustainability. The new terminal is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification – a globally recognized standard for sustainable building. Expected to be completed by 2027, this investment will effectively double the airport’s operating capacity while greatly enhancing environmental performance through better energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management.
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta and offering convenient access to popular Riviera Nayarit destinations like Punta Mita and Sayulita, the airport serves as the perfect entry point to Mexico’s Pacific region. With these significant advancements, Puerto Vallarta is strengthening its position as the preferred gateway for Canadian travelers seeking everything from luxurious beachfront retreats to rich cultural and natural experiences.
We Need Your Support: While other local media outlets have retreated behind paywalls, at Banderas News, we believe news should be free for everyone. Would you help us provide essential information to our readers at no cost? We can’t do it without you. Your contribution helps us sustain and grow.