For Immediate Release 

Ottawa, ON, Thursday, February 28, 2024 - The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) wishes to address the expected announcement by Minister Marc Miller regarding the introduction of partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals visiting Canada.

“The new system, which will apparently apply a light touch approach to a reported 60 per cent of Mexican travelers, still raises concerns about the remaining visitors from that country who may face prolonged visa processing times,” said Beth Potter, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. “Prolonged delays will very likely deter potential visitors, undermine our industry recovery, and compound the significant challenges already being experienced by operators in many destinations.”

While we understand the government's objective to streamline the process and ensure a robust immigration system, the potential repercussions on the tourism sector, still recuperating from the effects of previous travel restrictions, cannot be overlooked. Mexican tourists have historically contributed significantly to Canada's economy, with an estimated $754 million expected from Mexican spending in 2023 and a noticeable increase in overnight arrivals compared to the previous year.

TIAC is urging the government to implement definitive service standards that guarantee prompt visa processing for Mexican nationals, and safeguard the tourism sector from the potential forfeiture of hundreds of millions of dollars in annual business revenue.

“Our members implore IRCC to revise its criteria and recognize Mexican nationals with a history of Canadian visits from 2014 to 2024 as reliable and with a high propensity to return to Mexico following their stay in Canada,” added Potter.

As we prepare for the busy travel seasons, timely visa processing becomes even more critical. Delays could have a ripple effect, not only on potential Mexican visitors, but also on the broader tourism-related businesses that rely on their patronage.

TIAC stands ready to engage in productive dialogue with the government to refine these new policies, ensuring they are effective without being prohibitive. Our hope is that with continued collaboration, we can ensure a visa system that is both secure and facilitative of the mutual benefits that come from travel and tourism between Mexico and Canada.

For media inquiries:

Michel Boyer
Senior Director, Communications and Media Relations
communications@tiac-aitc.ca

About the Tourism Industry Association of Canada:

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is a leading voice for the Canadian tourism industry, dedicated to promoting and supporting a competitive and sustainable tourism sector. TIAC advocates for policies and programs that benefit its members, ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of Canada's tourism industry.