On Site - Cruises Return to Mazatlan, Destination Increases Airlift

mazatlanMembers of international media met today in Puebla, Mexico, as part of Tianguis Turistico 2013, with government officials of Mazatlan to discover what is new in the destination. Officials released the latest developments, which were met with wild applause and a standing ovation from the crowd.

So what has the media all in a frenzy? Nothing but good news, which is something that Mazatlan has desperately needed as of late. It is expected that Mazatlan will invest upwards of $11 million in marketing this year, which is up from $9.7 million in 2012. This number is only going to increase in 2014 as the destination expects to pour in $17 million.

In terms of airline connectivity, Mazatlan is in negotiation with airlines to launch new routes from Seattle, Houston, Denver, Atlanta and Chicago. These are scheduled to become official as of June. By Tianguis 2014, it is expected that there will be an additional 40 percent more flights.

Perhaps the biggest news coming out of the destination is the cruise industry´s return. Holland America was the first to jump back into Mazatlan, but several other cruise lines are confirmed for the 2013-14 season, including Princess Cruises, Norwegian and Azamara Club Cruises.

"Mazatlan is back," says the Secretary of Tourism for Sinaloa, Francisco Manual Cordoba Celay. "We´ve seen a community come together. Crime is down 85 percent. Cruises are back, major airlines are bringing new destinations, and Mazatlan would be happy to be considered to host Tianguis Turistico in 2016."

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