VAUGHAN — “There’s a reason we’re known as the ‘Vacation Capital of the World,’ and it’s thanks to each one of you,” said Dave Cecco, VP of Mexican Caribbean Canada, during this week’s trade show and dinner event in Vaughan, ON.

The Mexican Caribbean, a perennial favourite among Canadians, received a warm reception as it strengthened relationships through a two-city roadshow in Vaughan, and Calgary.

Joined by 14 hotel partners, tour operators and hotel associations from the Riviera Maya and Cancun, most of whom travelled from Mexico for the event, the lively evening featured one-on-one networking, update presentations and lots of prizes for more than 80 travel professionals.

Manuel Paredes Mendes, Riviera Maya Hotel Association; Rebeca Bravo, Cancun Hotel Association; Sabrina Castilla, Mexican Caribbean; Dave Cecco, VP, Mexican Caribbean Canada (all event photos courtesy Annie Cicvaric)

CANADA REMAINS A KEY MARKET

Melissa Harley, BDM Central, Eastern, Northern Ontario & Atlantic Canada, Sunwing Vacations Group

Canada is a vital market for the Mexican Caribbean, ranking second in visitor numbers after the U.S. The region continues to reach new heights and enhance its appeal, as Canadians continue to ‘value’ value, a sentiment echoed by Cecco.

As Travelweek reported exclusively in March, the Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board appointed Cecco as its first-ever Canadian representative, signalling a renewed focus on one of its most important source markets.

The Mexican Caribbean is much more than just Cancun, as Cecco points out. The tourism board is doubling down on efforts to raise awareness and promote bookings across the region’s diverse destinations.

For travel advisors, the opportunity lies in showing clients a different side of the Mexican Caribbean.

“There are 12 destinations in one, and this region offers everything Canadian travellers seek, including culture, luxury, adventure, and the perfect settings for romance, weddings and family vacations,” Cecco told Travelweek.

Why wait for winter?

According to Cecco, clients can travel any time of year as there is so much more to discover that will keep them coming back, and creating lasting memories year-round.

BOOKINGS MADE EASIER

This peak winter season will see increased capacity to the Mexican Caribbean, with over 200 weekly flights from 21 city gateways across Canada. The expansion ensures direct and convenient access to this popular destination.

Air Transat has announced summer flights to Cancun, with daily departures from Toronto and Montreal and weekly departures from Quebec City. During the winter season, daily flights will also be available from Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City. Additionally, Ottawa will have flights three times a week, Halifax four times a week, and weekly flights from Windsor, London, Moncton, Charlottetown and Fredericton. Tulum will be accessible from Montreal with four direct flights per week.

Air Canada and ACV also have extensive flight and package offerings to Cancun, Riviera Maya and other Mexican Caribbean destinations.

Air Transat and Porter recently announced a joint venture to provide integrated vacation packages to Cancun. This expansion further increases flight availability, providing daily services from Toronto and Montreal, as well as six weekly flights from Ottawa and Hamilton.

Travellers will now have access to over 150 hotels and resorts across the portfolio, along with improved, flexible flight times.

WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations also provided updates for the Mexican Caribbean, including vacation packages available on WestJet flights and transfers with Nexus Tours.

As part of Sunwing Vacations Group, WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations collectively fly daily year-round to Cancun from Calgary and Toronto. The winter season will see additional daily flights from Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg, and twice-weekly from Thunder Bay, London, Kitchener and Hamilton. Also, for the upcoming winter season, Cozumel will see weekly flights from Calgary and up to twice weekly from Toronto and Montreal. Tulum will also enjoy two flights weekly from Calgary, three from Toronto and four from Montreal.

INVESTING IN ADVISOR SUCCESS

Prioritizing travel advisors means prioritizing tools and resources for the trade. And that’s exactly what the Mexican Caribbean is doing.

Cecco highlighted the tourism board’s Ambassador training program, launched last year, which is a great way for travel advisors to stay informed about the latest offerings and incentives.

Graduates of the program become certified as official Mexican Caribbean Ambassadors. Click here to register.

“We’ll have many FAM trips coming up, with plenty of opportunities for advisors who become destination ambassadors,” said Cecco. “This invaluable certification enables you to fully understand the scope of what the region has to offer.”

For more information about the Mexican Caribbean, go to MexicanCaribbean.travel.