Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta is capturing the imagination of Canadian travelers like never before. With over 7 million searches in the first half of 2024, interest has surged by 5.8% compared to last year, according to the Amadeus travel data system. This picturesque Mexican destination, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, is seeing a notable uptick in curiosity from cities across Canada.
Leading the charge in this wave of interest is Comox, with a staggering 35 percent increase in searches. Following closely are Kelowna at 19% and Prince George at 16%. Even major urban centers like Edmonton and Calgary are showing double-digit growth at 11%, while Toronto, a significant hub, sees a 10% rise. Other cities like Winnipeg (6.4%), Victoria (2%), and London (1%) are also contributing to this upward trend.
June alone witnessed Puerto Vallarta climbing to one of the top three most sought-after Mexican destinations, amassing nearly half a million searches. This marks a 16% rise from the same period last year.
A closer look at the Canadian cities reveals that Vancouver is at the forefront with 122,000 searches, followed by Toronto with 105,000. Calgary contributes 60,000, and Edmonton adds 55,000 to the tally. Montreal is not far behind with 51,000 searches, and smaller cities like Kelowna (18,000), Abbotsford (17,000), Winnipeg (11,000), Victoria (9,000), and Comox (4,000) are making their mark.
But it’s not just about online searches. Bookings for round-trip travel to Puerto Vallarta from Canada have seen a significant increase, up 15% from 2023. Even more impressive is the 78% jump in reservations made through travel agents, highlighting a strong commitment to visiting this sun-soaked paradise.
In June, round-trip bookings predominantly originated from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, Kelowna, Victoria, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Regina. Notably, Prince George showed an extraordinary 228% growth in travel agent bookings, while Edmonton grew by 97%, and Comox by 73%. Other notable increases include Nanaimo (68%), Winnipeg (64%), Kamloops (58%), Victoria (52%), Grande Prairie (33%), Vancouver (13%), and Cranbrook (12%), with travelers averaging seven-night stays.
Canada’s importance to Puerto Vallarta is underscored by its position as the second-largest international market for the destination, supported by 16 direct flights. This crucial data helps tailor strategic marketing and promotional efforts to capitalize on growing interest.
Puerto Vallarta International Airport now boasts the highest number of direct connections from Canadian cities in Latin America, with 16 direct flights from various Canadian locations. Last month, Toronto alone saw a remarkable 150% increase in available airline seats, reflecting the destination’s growing allure.
As Puerto Vallarta continues to enchant and draw in more Canadian tourists, its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality ensures it remains a top choice for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.