Canadian Tourism Boost Sought for Southern Mexican Caribbean

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Tourism business leaders from Chetumal and Bacalar have met with representatives from the Canadian consulate to discuss strategies for attracting more Canadian visitors to the southern Mexican Caribbean region.

Raúl Andrade Angulo, president of the Hotel Association of Central and Southern Quintana Roo, noted that Canadian tourism to the southern Caribbean region, particularly Bacalar, has increased due to word-of-mouth promotion. This presents an opportunity for a market that aligns with the desired tourist profile for the area.

Andrade Angulo explained that Canadian visitors tend to be orderly, respectful, and highly interested in respecting and valuing natural resources. They are drawn to the tranquil environments that characterize the state capital and the Magic Town of Bacalar.

During the meetings, it was emphasized that the central-southern zone of Quintana Roo—comprising Chetumal, Bacalar, Mahahual, and Felipe Carrillo Puerto—offers a range of historical, cultural, and natural tourist attractions. Combined with acceptable security levels, this makes the region highly attractive both for Canadian tourists seeking relaxation and for retirees looking to settle permanently to enjoy their later years in peace.

Andrade Angulo announced he will request that the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ) allocate resources to promote the southern zone in Canada. This effort would be coordinated with Canadian consular authorities, organized hoteliers from the central-south of the state, and Canadian wholesale travel agencies.

Canadian consulate representatives informed hoteliers from Chetumal and Bacalar that Canadian authorities have received reports in recent months from citizens who visited the southern part of the state. These reports contained very favorable impressions of the destination, prompting interest in firsthand assessment of service quality and the region’s social and economic environments.

The representatives noted that a small community of Canadian retirees has settled in Bacalar. These retirees report being very pleased with the natural landscapes, history, culture, and especially the friendliness of the local population.