A proposed Transpacific Tourist Train could soon link Mazatlán to Acapulco, connecting 45 destinations along 1,200 km of Mexico’s Pacific coast. Backed by Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas business chambers, the project aims to boost tourism, create jobs, and support local economies.
Mexico welcomed 39.4 million international visitors from January to May 2025, showing a 14.2% rise from the same period last year. With strong air and cruise arrivals, rising tourist spending, and steady demand from key markets like the U.S. and Canada, the country’s tourism sector continues to gain momentum.
Cryshtian Lizardi, former head of Puerto Vallarta International Airport, has been appointed as the new administrator of Guadalajara International Airport. With over 20 years of experience, he brings a strong record of expanding air connectivity and leading major infrastructure projects.
CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector Casa de Bolsa are facing massive 185 million pesos in fines. Mexico's National Banking and Securities Commission announced these penalties on July 15, following the US Treasury FinCEN's June 25 accusations linking the firms to money laundering and facilitating payments for chemical precursors.
International travel to Mexico is about to get a major boost with the addition of new flight routes to the newly expanded Tepic-Riviera Nayarit International Airport (TPQ). These direct connections will make it easier than ever for travelers to experience the warmth, cuisine, and culture of Mexico’s Pacific coast.
The U.S. Treasury Department has announced a 45-day extension for the implementation of sanctions against Mexican financial entities Intercam, CIBanco, and Vector. The new deadline for these restrictions, which prohibit the institutions from conducting transactions within the U.S. financial system, is now September 4.
Travelers looking to explore the beautiful state of Jalisco will soon have another convenient option, as WestJet, Canada's second-largest airline, launches a new direct flight connecting Calgary, Alberta to Guadalajara this winter. This addition brings the total number of direct flights between Canada and Guadalajara to four.
A new Nonresident Duty (DNR) fee for cruise passengers arriving at Mexican ports, including Puerto Vallarta, officially took effect on July 1. The tax begins at just $5 USD per person and will be gradually increased to $21 by 2028, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Mexico’s economy and tourism sector.
Jalisco is attracting more Canadian visitors than ever, thanks to strong air connectivity, rich culture, and diverse destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Mazamitla. In the first half of 2025, Canadian arrivals rose 5%, reinforcing the state’s status as a top travel choice.
U.S. citizens residing in Puerto Vallarta and across Mexico who use certain Mexican financial institutions, including CIBanco, Intercam Banco, and Vector Casa de Bolsa, must be aware of significant new restrictions on money transfers. This includes transactions to or from any accounts managed by or on behalf of these three institutions.
