Jalisco tourism officials traveled to Calgary to promote a new route linking Calgary airport with Guadalajara and to rebuild ties with Canadian travellers, Secretary of Tourism Michelle Fridman said during the visit.
Fridman highlighted nearby Ajijic as a major Canadian community and noted Chapala Lake’s appeal, saying there are even more Canadians in Chapala than in Puerto Vallarta because of the weather and local communities.
She framed the promotion as part of a broader effort to position Jalisco as a premier destination while travel to the United States becomes more complicated, and she noted the 2026 FIFA World Cup will drive visitor numbers with Jalisco expecting nearly three million visitors.
Security Response And Recovery Efforts
The region experienced a wave of cartel violence on Feb. 22 after the death of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader during a Mexican Army operation, an incident that left some Canadian travellers temporarily stranded, as reported by local authorities and officials.
Fridman said the unrest lasted 24 hours and that connectivity returned quickly, adding that hotels stayed open, mobility recovered and cruise lines resumed normal operations within 48 hours of the events.
She told reporters that officials kept tourists safe and monitored, that there were no tourist casualties, and that some media images overstated the situation, noting cars burned in some streets and were removed within 48 hours.
To rebuild confidence, Jalisco has deployed a crisis management strategy and is working with Canadian ambassadors to gather testimonials and reassure travellers, Fridman said, while acknowledging cancellations hit the region during its high season.
Authorities have also unveiled Plan Cucultan, announced by the president of Mexico and the governor of Jalisco, which includes an increased presence of federal forces, more cameras and additional police officers to bolster security in the region.
