YVR thrilled to see visa requirements lifted for Mexican citizens

Vancouver International Airport looks to welcome even more Mexicans

RICHMOND, B.C., June 28, 2016 /CNW/ - Vancouver International Airport (YVR) today congratulated the Government of Canada on easing visa requirements for Mexican nationals. Beginning December 1, Mexicans will no longer be required to hold a Canadian visa and will generally, on the day of entry into Canada, be granted a six-month stay.

"Mexico is a vibrant and growing market for Canada and we are thrilled to see the visa requirements lifted," said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "We welcome measures that open up Canada to more tourists and trade; making it easier to travel to and from our country."

"Once the cumbersome regulations are lifted we anticipate visitor numbers from Mexico will increase," said Richmond. "Whenever we ease entry requirements, add new flights or welcome larger aircraft, the entire province and ultimately country benefits from higher tourism spending, increased tax revenue and creation of new jobs."

Five airlines offer non-stop service between YVR and Mexico: Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, Air Transat and Aeromexico. Together the companies offer service to eight destinations, on nearly 70 weekly flights, and more than 564,000 annual seats.

YVR's newest Mexican service was launched in May 2015, when Aeromexico began daily, non-stop flights to and from the nation's capital – complementing Air Canada's existing service on this route. Vancouver Airport Authority estimated the new service would add 160 jobs to the B.C. economy and nearly $10 million in Gross Domestic Product.

In addition to welcoming more passengers to Vancouver, YVR also stands to increase its share of travellers connecting through the airport between Latin America and Asia. The shortest routes between Mexico and Asia pass over the Canadian and U.S. Pacific coastline and Mexican nationals will now be able to transit through YVR without a visa. This makes YVR one of the most convenient airports in North America when travelling from Mexico to megacities such as Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing. YVR competes with other west coast airports and North American hubs to lure airlines and travellers connecting between Mexico and Asia.

YVR encourages prospective visitors to Canada consult their nearby embassy or high commission, to learn entry requirements for their needs.

-YVR-

About Vancouver Airport Authority

Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served more than 20 million passengers in 2015. Fifty-four airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 120 non-stop destinations worldwide. YVR was voted Best Airport in North America for the seventh consecutive year in the 2016 Skytrax World Airport Awards. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2015 donated more than $900,000 to local organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor. For more information, please visit www.yvr.ca.

SOURCE Vancouver Airport Authority

YVR Media Relations, 604.880.9815, [email protected], Twitter: @yvrairport