Jesús Almaguer Salazar, president of the Association of Hotels of Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres, has confirmed that Qatar Airways will resume flights from Doha to Mexico City, with a connection to Cancun, starting in early 2025. This development marks a historic opening for Mexico to attract Asian tourists.
New Route Announcement
Almaguer Salazar shared that a meeting with Qatar Airways executives, the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council, and Sedetur led to the decision to open this new route. “This is good news for attracting visitors from Eastern Europe and Asia,” he said, according to Sipse.
Potential for Growth
Currently, the Arab market records only 200 visitors to the Mexican Caribbean. Almaguer Salazar sees great potential in this new connection to boost tourism. “We continue working to attract more tourists to the Caribbean, which will create better jobs and economic benefits,” he added.
Preparations for Arrival
Asur, with the help of the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ), will negotiate the arrival of the flight to Cancun airport. Lodging centers will need to adapt with new menus and schedules to cater to these high-purchasing-power travelers.
Qatar Airways’ Global Reach
Qatar Airways is one of the airlines with the most international destinations, reaching 90 countries with around 170 connections. In Latin America, it currently only lands in São Paulo, Brazil, after previously flying to Buenos Aires.
Regional Competition
Emirates, Qatar Airways’ rival in the Persian Gulf, flies from Dubai to Mexico City, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Bogotá from Miami. Turkish Airlines also flies to Mexico City with a stopover in Cancun, and from Istanbul to São Paulo, Santiago de Chile, Buenos Aires, Panama, Bogotá, and Havana.
Future Prospects
Qatar Airways has begun talks with Quintana Roo authorities to open a new connection to Cancun International Airport, with three weekly frequencies starting in 2025. This route is expected to significantly enhance the destination’s positioning in new markets.
Source: Reportur
