Mazatlan is in the midst of a renaissance. The seaside colonial city is enjoying a surge in tourism this year, driven by travelers' desires for affordable vacations in intriguing destinations.
The city is brimming with both cultural attractions, a rich history, beautiful surf and an abundance of sun. It's no wonder visitors are returning in droves.
"International tourism to Mazatlan is up over 8 percent for 2017, and the summer season brought us more than a half-million tourist, which is a 13 percent increase from the same period in 2016," said Marco Antonio Garcia, secretary of tourism for the state of Sinaloa.
As tourists make their way back to the city, Mazatlan has also been raking in accolades. The city was recognized by Forbes as one of the top places for an economical vacation, and it's been seen by many as a shining star around the world.
"Recently, American Express Travel ranked Mazatlan one of the hottest worldwide destinations for fall and with our new marketing campaign for the U.S. and Canada set to launch next month, Mazatlan is expecting an even more robust winter season. I applaud the collaboration and effort put forth by our tourism and commercial partners to make this happen," added Garcia.
There are a number of factors that are contributing to the city's tourism boom. A highly favorable exchange rate is good for all of Mexico, but Mazatlan is also enjoying a significant boost in airlift and the destination has been rediscovered by many major hotel brands. United recently announced new routes to Mazatlan.
"We are pleased to offer the only nonstop service between Mazatlán and Chicago O'Hare and Houston Bush Intercontinental," said Jake Cefolia, United's vice president of sales, said in a statement.
Not only is airlift growing, but so is the number of well-known hotel and resort brands.
Marriott is also planning to bring its Courtyard brand to the city. Plans call for the oceanfront, 200-room Courtyard Mazatlan to open in the Zona Dorada in 2019. There is a new Holiday Inn in the Zona Dorada and a Park Inn by Radisson, along with a new Ibis hotel near the convention center are also on their way.
Moreover, the cruise industry has largely returned to the region after fears of violence drove lines away from the region. Most have returned to sailings along the Mexican Riviera and resumed calls in Mazatlan.
What is making Mazatlan standout in the crowd?
Many say nostalgia for a bygone area, which they find in the city's Historic District. Prime access to Mexico's Magical Towns and a long history of fine dining and adventure are driving also millennials and foodies to discover the city.
"We are seeing young millennials discovering Mazatlan in their search for unique sea and land adventures. The 'young at heart,' who recognize the great value of a vacation and even retirees have long called Mazatlan 'home,'" said Silvia del Carmen Ruiz Coppel, undersecretary of tourism for Sinaloa.
"Families in search of value and a culturally rich learning experience also find Mazatlan ideal, while foodies are flocking to Mazatlan for our distinctive and varied cuisine," she added.
With its wide-ranging appeal, Mazatlan is right to capitalize on a moment in which it finds itself at the crossroads of a new beginning driven by a nostalgia for the past.
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