Tulum Takes Flight: WestJet’s Arrival Marks New Era
By Your Cheeky Tourism Correspondent
Cancún is buzzing with excitement, and it’s not just because of the sunbathers or the recent tequila festival that took a turn for the unexpected (seriously, have you ever seen someone make a rash decision after five margaritas?). The real news is at the “Felipe Carrillo Puerto” International Airport in Tulum, where we can now say sayonara, au revoir, and something that sounds fancy in French to jet lag. Why? Because the Canadian airline, WestJet, has officially landed! Yes, folks, it’s time to start practicing how to pronounce Tulum with more flair than a chihuahua in a sombrero!
WestJet has rolled out its operation routes—connecting Toronto to Tulum every Saturday and Calgary to Tulum on Thursdays and Saturdays. That’s right! Grab your sunscreen, folks; you might need it—because it seems Canada has decided it’s high time for a tropical winter escape!
Bernardo Cueto, Quintana Roo’s Secretary of Tourism, couldn’t contain his excitement at this touristic turning point. “This is more than just great news for Tulum,” he declared, sporting an impressive grin that put even the sun to shame. “We’re officially the eighth most important airport in Mexico! Just think about it: not just tacos and tequila; now we’ve got tourists flying in droves to witness the beauty of our turquoise waters!”
And, as Cueto noted, this isn’t merely about inviting more international visitors to soak up the sun. No, no! It’s also about economic development—an instant injection of cash into the local economy! Imagine the jobs springing up like wildflowers! Well, wildflowers if they had a payroll, benefits, and a retirement plan!
It seems Tulum is on a roll! Just to keep the momentum going, Avianca, that glorious airline from Colombia, decided it wanted an invitation to the fiesta as well. Starting December 10, 2024, they’ll be introducing direct flights from Bogotá to Tulum with three weekly flights aboard the fancy Airbus A320. That’s over 1,000 seats per week for those adventurous souls ready to swap the Andes for some good ol’ Caribbean bliss! Not to mention a plate of that infamous guacamole they just can’t stop talking about!
Now, let’s talk about the stats, shall we? While many expected the new terminal to handle 700,000 travelers by the end of 2024, it seems the airport had other ideas. On November 4, they welcomed their millionth passenger from Monterrey! That’s right; this airport is not just getting by; it’s skyrocketing past expectations like a seagull aiming for your lunch. With a predicted closure of 2024 at 10,100 operations and nearly 1.3 million passengers? Well, let’s just say Tulum is becoming the James Bond of holiday destinations: glamorous, fast, and possibly a bit questionable if you overhear confusion about shaken versus stirred!
In the spirit of celebration, Governor Mara Lezama joined in on the fun, gushing over the airport’s meteoric rise. “This is all just the beginning, folks!” she declared during a ceremony that likely included more confetti than a toddler’s birthday party. She emphasized that Tulum isn’t just another pretty face in the Caribbean; it’s blossoming into a destination that can dazzle anyone with its natural beauty and, let’s be honest, its knack for reinventing itself consistently.
So, as Tulum sets its sights even higher, let’s remember to grab our mates for a trip south. After all, if you have the chance to bask in sunshine, sip cocktails, and hop on a direct flight after what feels like a lifetime in a Blizzard, wouldn’t you?! Or, as I like to say, it’s time to trade in those snowflakes for sunbeams because Tulum is officially taking flight!
Cancún, QRoo.- The “Felipe Carrillo Puerto” International Airport in Tulum proudly celebrated the inaugural flights from the Canadian airline WestJet, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s history.
The newly established flight routes include a weekly service from Toronto to Tulum every Saturday, while travelers from Calgary can access Tulum on Thursdays and Saturdays, enhancing connectivity for various regions of Canada.
The arrival of WestJet at the “Felipe Carrillo Puerto” International Airport is a powerful indicator of Tulum’s burgeoning status as a premier international vacation destination. Within less than a year, this airport has ascended to become the eighth busiest air terminal in Mexico, a noteworthy accomplishment that underscores the region’s vast potential and Tulum’s significance in both national and international air travel, commented Bernardo Cueto, secretary of Quintana Roo Tourism.
Cueto Riestra emphasized the monumental nature of this milestone for Tulum, underscoring its emergence as a leading destination on the global tourism stage. The introduction of WestJet’s services not only broadens the connectivity landscape for international visitors but also paves the way for new avenues of economic growth, job creation, and the enhancement of local tourism facilities.
Cueto Riestra further noted that this marks merely the onset of a promising trajectory for Tulum, a destination that continues to distinguish itself not only through its striking natural beauty but also through its capability to adapt and innovate in the ever-evolving global tourism sector.
In an exciting development, the airline Avianca recently announced plans for a new route set to directly connect Bogotá with Tulum, launching on December 10, 2024. Utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft, this new route is expected to provide three weekly flights, featuring more than 1,000 seats available each week, accommodating increasing travel demand.
The formal application process for this route began last July, with Avianca now affirming its commitment to provide 1,000 weekly seats between the two destinations. This expansion reinforces Avianca’s strategic initiative to enhance its footprint in the burgeoning Mexican market, catering to the escalating demand for travel to this appealing region.
Although projections anticipated that by the end of 2024, the new terminal would facilitate the movement of 700,000 travelers, on November 4, the airport joyously welcomed its millionth passenger, hailing from Monterrey, unequivocally surpassing all initial expectations regarding its operational capacity.
“With this unprecedented growth rate, we anticipate wrapping up 2024 with 10,100 flight operations and serving 1,300,000 passengers, firmly establishing itself as a vital hub for connectivity within the Mexican Caribbean,” highlighted Governor Mara Lezama during the memorable ceremony honoring the arrival of the 1 millionth passenger.
**Interview with Bernardo Cueto, Secretary of Tourism for Quintana Roo**
**Editor:** Bernardo, congratulations on the arrival of WestJet at Tulum’s Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport! What does this milestone mean for the local tourism industry and the airport itself?
**Bernardo Cueto:** Thank you! This is indeed a monumental moment for us. WestJet’s arrival marks Tulum’s recognition as a prominent international destination. Being named the eighth busiest airport in Mexico in such a short time signifies our growing appeal to tourists from around the world. It opens up a new chapter for Tulum, not just as a beautiful locale but as a crucial player in global tourism.
**Editor:** You mentioned that this isn’t just about bringing in tourists. What are the broader economic impacts you anticipate from these new flights?
**Bernardo Cueto:** Absolutely! Increased flight connectivity will stimulate our local economy significantly. We’re expecting an influx of visitors, which translates to higher revenues for local businesses—restaurants, hotels, and artisans. This, in turn, leads to job creation, providing opportunities and livelihoods for our community. It’s like planting a seed that will grow into a vibrant economic ecosystem!
**Editor:** That sounds exciting! Avianca, the Colombian airline, is also set to join the party with new direct flights. How important is that for Tulum’s international profile?
**Bernardo Cueto:** Very important! Every new route we add helps us attract different demographics of travelers. With Avianca starting flights from Bogotá, we’re not just diversifying our visitor base; we’re fostering connections across the Americas. This is pivotal in establishing Tulum as a global hub where cultures converge, and travelers can experience our unique offerings.
**Editor:** In terms of passenger numbers, it seems Tulum is already exceeding expectations. How is the airport preparing to accommodate this growth?
**Bernardo Cueto:** We’ve been monitoring our capacity closely and are continuously enhancing our facilities. We anticipated around 700,000 travelers by the end of 2024, but with our millionth passenger already welcomed, we’re ramping up our resources. We’ll ensure the experience remains seamless for every visitor, whether it’s through improved amenities or expanded services.
**Editor:** with all this excitement, what message do you want to convey to potential travelers?
**Bernardo Cueto:** I invite everyone to experience Tulum! From our stunning beaches and rich culture to our warm hospitality, there’s something here for everyone. With new flights making it easier than ever to visit, it’s the perfect time to pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and join the fiesta in our paradise!
**Editor:** Thank you, Bernardo, for sharing your insights with us today. We look forward to seeing Tulum thrive!
**Bernardo Cueto:** Thank you! It’s an exciting time for all of us, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors from near and far to enjoy what Tulum has to offer!
