Sunwing relaunch signals Acapulco's return to the Canadian tourist map
Among those attending the Catalonia event were Patrick Torrent, executive director, Catalan Tourist Board; Christabel Sundram, Huntington Travel; Rudolph Nareen, Astor Travels; and Aincard Guinovart, director of the Catalan Tourist Board, North American office.
Acapulco is expecting to win back some of the Canadian tourists who have been opting for other Mexican vacation locales, thanks in part to Sunwing, which recently announced that it will offer service from both Montreal and Toronto to Acapulco this winter, restarting service it dropped a few years ago.
The news was quickly welcomed by those in Acapulco’s tourism trade, who in recent years have largely relied on domestic Mexican tourism as many foreigners have chosen other seaside resort locales over what was Mexico’s first vacation glamour spot.
“They [Sunwing] wouldn’t be restarting this if the demand wasn’t there,” Jorge Cadena, active in Acapulco tourism promotion, said last week while hosting a group during Mexico’s annual tourism show of Tianguis, which was actually held in Acapulco.
Acapulco tourism has not only had to contend with increased competition from other Mexican destinations but has had to recover from hurricanes that struck it in 2023 and 2024. But Cadena said the city’s tourism infrastructure has recovered from Hurricanes John and Otis, something that serves visitors well. “Anyone who comes to Acapulco is going to be in a hotel that’s practically brand new.”
Cadena said Sunwing’s decision to return to Acapulco amounts to “recognition” that it is an attractive and safe destination for visitors, adding that perceptions that it’s unsafe are unwarranted. Mexico’s struggle with drug cartel violence is sometimes associated with Acapulco, even when that violence is often far away, he added.
Among travel agents visiting Acapulco for Tianguis was Ethel Hansen Davey of Toronto’s Uniglobe Enterprise Travel, with Hansen Davey being a longtime booster of both Acapulco and Mexico in general.
1) Posadas was on hand to tell people about its large number of Mexican hotels and resorts. 2) Juan Carlos Jouvin of Polo Travel saw reminders that Mexico will host FIFA World Cup games 3) Monica Cervera and Lizzie Cole were happy to tell people about Yucatan developments 4) Oasis Hotels & Resorts had an eye-catching booth.
Hansen Davey said she was glad to participate, although she was “a little disappointed that there was not a larger contingent of buyers. It is a trade show well worth attending.”
The show’s venue enabled her to view progress in rebuilding areas that suffered hurricane damage, she said.
“I had the opportunity to arrive in Acapulco a few days prior to the start of Tianguis to have time to check to see what advances had been made in the rebuilding of Acapulco after the catastrophic Hurricane Otis of a few years ago,” she reported. “I was delighted to see that many of the hotels on the Costera (a prominent thoroughfare) have been repaired, renovated and refreshed. There are still a few in need of some TLC, the former Hyatt Regency for example. The work being done on the Malecon is progressing nicely, making Acapulco a good stop for cruise lines. There are some new and exciting restaurants and bars open along the Costera, making it once again a vibrant tourist destination.
“I was delighted to hear that Sunwing will start their seasonal, once-weekly direct flights to Acapulco again this winter. A pleasant announcement for the snowbirds that have long made Acapulco a favourite spot and to again offer a budget friendly option for families this coming season.”
Hansen Davey added that she’s looking forward to attending next year’s Tianguis, to be held in the interior city of Puebla.
Another Toronto-area travel agent on hand for the show was Rajiv Calpakam of Direct Travel, who said attending it was worthwhile.
Helping carry the flag for Aeromexico were Michele Martinson of its Canadian office and Rodrigo Sandoval, VP Aeromexico Rewards, Aeromexico Vacations & Toronto travel agent Ethel Hansen Davey got an update on the state of Tlaxcala during the show.
“The conference showcased an impressive variety of suppliers, creating an excellent platform to connect with hotels, tour operators, and destination management companies from across Mexico and beyond,” he said. “The event provided valuable opportunities to strengthen existing relationships while also establishing new partnerships. Face-to-face meetings allowed for meaningful discussions around product offerings, market trends, and potential collaborations, helping to identify new avenues for business development. The presence of a wide spectrum of suppliers ensured comprehensive exposure to different segments of the travel industry, from luxury accommodations to niche experiential operators.
Calpakam noted that travel to the conference with Aeromexico was also a pleasant part of the overall experience.
“The flight was comfortable and enjoyable, and the availability of complimentary onboard WiFi made it easy to stay connected and productive throughout the journey,” he shared. “Overall, the conference was instrumental in fostering collaboration and expanding business prospects. The dynamic environment and well-organized networking sessions made it an ideal setting to exchange insights, explore innovative ideas, and further position our business for growth in the region.”
This year’s show actually marked its 50th anniversary, although an event that was once held in Acapulco every year is now held in it every second year, enabling Mexico to showcase other parts of the country.
