Millions of Canadians visit Mexico, but the vast majority hug the beach resorts along the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines and don’t venture far inland. I’m an example – in maybe a couple of dozen trips to Mexico, I don’t think I’ve ever stayed somewhere without an ocean view.
Laura Nesteanu, Global SVP at GMS; Fernanda Landa, PR & Promotion Director at Guadalajara CVB; Luis Villaseñor, Director at Puerto Vallarta Tourism. (Photo Credit: Guadalajara CVB)
That’s one reason I was interested to speak with Fernanda Landa, PR & Promotions Director for the Guadalajara Convention & Visitors Bureau. The capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Jalisco, Guadalajara has a metropolitan area population of close to 6 million, similar to Toronto. But it doesn’t have a high profile as a tourist destination for Canadians.
That could change in future for several reasons, Landa said, including new direct flights on Flair Airlines taking off twice-weekly from Vancouver (May 31) and three-times-weekly from Toronto (September 15) to Miguel Hidalgo International Airport (GDL).
To celebrate the new flights, the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau launched its first mission for the Canadian market, touching down in Vancouver to introduce Vancouverites to the diverse cultural and gastronomic experiences awaiting them in Guadalajara, while fostering stronger relationships with key partners in the Canadian travel market.
Eric Tanner, Vice President Revenue Management and Network Planning at Flair Airlines; Olga Garcia, Consul General of Mexico in Vancouver; Stephan Bubica, prize winner; Fernanda Landa, PR & Promotion Director at Guadalajara CVB; Luis Villaseñor, Director at Puerto Vallarta Tourism; Laura Nesteanu, Global SVP at GMS; Juliana Ramirez, VP Ancillary Revenue & Digital Revenue at Flair Airlines; (Photo Credit: Guadalajara CVB)
Over 80 travel agents, media representatives, and influencers gathered at the Monarca Restaurant to learn more about what Guadalajara has to offer. They were treated to an immersive culinary experience, tequila tasting, and the lively tunes of a mariachi band, providing a taste of Guadalajara's vibrant atmosphere.
Part of the news the Mexicans had to share is that the completion of a new highway linking Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta cuts the drive time from 4.5 to less than 3 hours. That makes two-centre beach and city combo vacations more viable. Puerto Vallarta Tourism Director Luis Villasenor also joined the mission to promote the this dual-destination opportunity, showcasing the diversity and beauty of Mexico's Pacific coast alongside the charm of Guadalajara.
What should visitors expect? Visit Guadalajara makes a nice destination pitch on its website:
“When visiting Guadalajara you will understand the meaning of Mexicanity first hand, through culture, history, myths and exotic ambiance. Ancient traditions and modern lifestyle merge, creating a magical environment that’s full of extraordinary experiences.”
Landa says the urban centre with nicknames including ‘City of Roses,’ and ‘Pearl of the West’ has lots to offer for a three- or four-night stay combined with a beach break in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a cultural hub, with a major film festival and one of the world’s largest book fairs. Other attractions include San Juan De Dios Mercado, one of the largest roofed markets in Mexico, which offers crafts made from materials including ceramic, silver, blown glass, leather and palm leafs from artists all over Mexico.
Aboard the Jose Cuervo Express, passengers can admire the extensive agave crops that paint the countryside blue. (Photo via Courtesy of Guadalajara Tourism).
A popular day trip from Guadalajara is a ride on the Jose Cuervo tourist train from the city to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Tequila. The trip travels through endless fields of blue agave and includes a guided tour of the Jose Cuervo distillery, lunch at a Mexican hacienda, live mariachis, folk dancing and of course, tequila.
Another area easily explored from Guadalajara is Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest freshwater lake. The area offers visitors and residents alike a peaceful and quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of Guadalajara. The lake is surrounded by mountains and the region is full of local charm – and many expats from the United States and Canada.
There are 28,000 hotel rooms in the city of Guadalajara, with choices including luxury properties, mid-range boutique hotels and, on the outskirts of the city, an intriguing collection of typical Mexican haciendas. Several hotels and haciendas are members of the prestigious Historic Hotels Worldwide.
Tercio Cocina is a popular cafe that serves food in Guadalajara. (photo via Alex Temblador)
Mexico’s cuisine is one of its great attractions, and Guadalajara is known for its food scene, from tacos and the traditional torta ahogada (drowned sandwich) sold from street stands, to innovative Mexican cuisine in unique venues.
Landa offers a couple of must-try locations: El Gallo Altanero, a celebrated bar where only the finest products of local tequila makers are served; and Karne Garibaldi, which is described as literally serving the world’s fastest food, with meals on the table in under a minute.
Guadalajara CVB's initiative aims to attract more Canadian visitors to the city, capitalizing on the convenience of the new direct flights and highlighting Guadalajara as a must-visit destination for cultural enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
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