Mazatlán projecting significant growth from Canada for winter season

Mazatlán is heading into one of its strongest high seasons in recent history, a projection underscored during the successful 2025 edition of Fiesta Amigos Mazatlán, the destination’s flagship tourism showcase.

Officials announced a significant projected increase in North American arrivals — led by an anticipated 20% to 30% jump in Canadian visitors this winter, along with a continued rebound and expansion from key U.S. markets.

The surge comes as airlines on both sides of the border increase service and report heightened demand for Mazatlán. This year’s event opened with a milestone moment: WestJet’s restart of its Calgary–Mazatlán route, a service historically seasonal but now confirmed to operate year-round through at least October 2026. Combined with Sunwing’s activity, Mazatlán will enjoy direct lift from nine Canadian cities,from Vancouver to Montreal.

“We hope you guys start getting a lot of winter,” joked Carlos Berdegué Sacrista, president of the Hotel Association of Mazatlán, pointing to the strong interest from both Canada and the United States. “The increased attention we’re receiving from WestJet and Sunwing — and the overall interest from the U.S. market — shows that Mazatlán’s authenticity continues to resonate.”

While Canada is pacing for its strongest winter in years, Mazatlán is also seeing robust performance and sustained growth from its largest international source market, the United States. Top feeder states Texas, California, Arizona, and Illinois — continue to strengthen year-round demand through expanding air connectivity, cruise traffic, and rising interest in culture-driven travel.

This broad North American momentum reflects a “destination that increasingly stands out for travelers seeking value, culture, and beyond-the-beach experiences,” tourism officials say.

In her opening address, Mireya Sosa Osuna, tourism minister of the State of Sinaloa, emphasized Mazatlán’s evolution as a comprehensive tourism destination, not only for Canadians and Americans looking for warm winter escapes, but also for travelers seeking history, nature and gastronomy: “Mazatlán is a destination of sun, sea and a historic center. We are very proud of it.”

Sosa Osuna highlighted Mazatlán’s protected colonial quarter, where building facades must be preserved; its continued investment in tourism infrastructure; and its growing list of experiences. This year alone, Mazatlán has welcomed 79 cruise ship calls, offers 190 hotels totaling more than 14,000 rooms, and has 11 new hotels under construction. The destination is home to the largest aquarium in Latin America, the longest zipline in Mexico, multiple golf courses, an expansive culinary scene, and one of the three largest carnivals in the world.

During the event, Barbara Polanco of WestJet Vacations noted that Mazatlán still hasn’t received the full recognition it deserves within the Canadian –and broader North American — market. “This is a great alternative for sun, beach, and culture,” she said. “It’s a very authentic and unique destination that should not be forgotten.”