Vacation hotspot Nayarit projects to attract a staggering million tourists this summer, generating a significant economic boost of 5 billion pesos to its local economy.
Tepic International Airport Expansion Boosts Nayarit's Tourism
Tepic International Airport (TPQ) has undergone a significant transformation, thanks to a 4.1 billion-peso (US $221 million) renovation project that includes runway enhancements, a new terminal, and a control tower. This expansion has significantly contributed to the growth of Nayarit's tourism by improving air connectivity and facilitating a surge in international flights.
The upgraded infrastructure has enabled TPQ to attract new international routes, particularly from Canada and the United States, which historically had limited direct access to the region. Notably, major Canadian airlines such as WestJet and Air Canada have launched new direct flights to Tepic, connecting Nayarit with key Canadian cities like Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.
WestJet’s introduction of a Calgary-Tepic route and Air Canada’s new Vancouver-Tepic route mark important milestones as they open fresh corridors for tourism from Canada, a previously under-tapped market for the region. These new routes reduce travel barriers and make it easier for Canadian tourists to access Nayarit’s beaches, cultural heritage, and natural landscapes, thus expanding the international visitor base.
The increased connectivity through Tepic International Airport has already led to expectations of a tourism boom, with Nayarit projecting around a million visitors in peak seasons and a substantial economic boost estimated at 5 billion pesos. The airport’s upgrades and expanded international flights are seen as foundational to positioning Nayarit as a high-value, sustainable tourism destination with inclusive growth.
Operation Summer Vacation 2025 was launched on July 4, aiming to provide security to tourists and Nayarit residents. The strategy involves state and federal security, health, civil protection, and tourism agencies. Governor Miguel Ángel Navarro oversaw the renovation project, and State Tourism Minister Juan Enrique Suárez del Real spoke of the growth in domestic and international tourists to Nayarit.
Suárez del Real emphasized the importance of meeting the needs of tourists with quality and efficiency. He also called on state residents to embrace tourism as a matter of shared responsibility. Hotel occupancy in the state's coastal areas is projected to reach 88%.
It's worth noting that approximately four million tourists arrive by air in Nayarit each year, most of whom visit from Puerto Vallarta International Airport in neighboring Jalisco. However, the first-ever international arrival at TPQ occurred on July 16, 2025, marking a new era for the region's tourism industry.
New international routes from the U.S. are arriving at TPQ, making summer vacation 2025 an exciting time for the region. As more tourists flock to Nayarit, the expected 5 billion pesos (US $270 million) will enter the state this summer, further strengthening Nayarit's position as a key destination for international tourism.
- The expansion of Tepic International Airport has opened avenues for healthier economic growth, as the tourism sector is projected to generate 5 billion pesos, thanks to increased international travel.
- Lifestyle choices of Canadians are broadening, now including Nayarit, as major airlines like WestJet and Air Canada introduce direct flights to Tepic International Airport, providing easier access to the region's beaches, cultural heritage, and natural landscapes.
- With the surge in international flights and improved connectivity, finance opportunities in Nayarit are on the rise, as the tourism industry promises to attract an estimated 1 million visitors during peak seasons, benefiting both local businesses and the state's economy.
