Interest in visiting the Mexican Caribbean from Canada remains strong, presenting a significant growth opportunity for the tourism sector, according to Gaetan Babin, president and CEO of the Canadian Resort Development Association (CRTA) based in Toronto. Speaking at the GNEX Acotur 2024 event held from November 5 to 7 in Cancun, Babin highlighted the attractiveness of Mexico for Canadian travelers, noting that $900,000 worth of memberships have been sold to Canadians in Cancun. He emphasized the importance of promoting this destination, especially during the cold Canadian winters.
In 2022, the vacation rental segment in Mexico generated approximately six billion dollars, with 6% of that revenue coming from Canadian buyers. The CRTA primarily focuses on the Canadian market, followed by the American market, with growing interest from Mexican travelers. Babin mentioned that recent events, such as a conference in Ottawa, have attracted a significant number of Mexicans, boosting confidence in the growth of tourism to Canada.
Historically, Canada experienced a boom in vacation clubs during the 1980s and 1990s, but this trend declined as customers chose destinations in the United States or Mexico. However, there has been a resurgence this year with the return of large hotel chains like Hilton.
Babin also noted that while baby boomers have been the main purchasers of memberships over the years, there is now a growing interest among young Canadians in the offerings of the Mexican Caribbean. These younger demographic views the Caribbean as an innovative destination and is increasingly likely to travel to Quintana Roo and consider purchasing vacation properties.
Source: Canal 10 Noticias
