Lots of life in Day of the Dead programs

Doing business with the deceased has proven to be a viable plan for a tour operator in Vancouver that has just turned 36 years old. MCH Tours in downtown YVR is a Mexico specialist that has seen a steady increase in interest and sales of its Day of the Dead tour programs – Día de Muertos, to be more culturally accurate.

“The Day of the Dead in Mexico has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, and every year there is more demand for Day of the Dead packages,” says company director Myrna Bubica. “Travel agents call me to request more information so they can promote it to their clients.”

Bubica says her company has an advantage in the market because they know the Mexico tourism sector very well. Clients who are interested in culture, archaeology and medical tourism “keep us busy,” she said.

For instance, MCH sells a five-day/four-night Día de Muertos package to Oaxaca from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3. This includes visits to Day of the Dead festivals in regional centres of culture and tradition, including Zapoteca, Etla and Oaxaca itself. Historical sights are included, such as the Palace of Monte Albán. A four-day/three-night package to Mexico City for the Día de Muertos, Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, is also available.

MCH Tours recently held a Travel Mixer Night at its location in the Gastown section of Vancouver. Company director Bubica met guests such as Yaxal Canales, the Mexico Consul in Vancouver, and Neil Prasad, marketing manager for Aeromexico. Industry partners sampled authentic margaritas and tacos, while a scroll of destination travel photos was displayed by photographer Peter Langer.