Vancouver, BC — October 28, 2025 — The State of Nayarit, Mexico, proudly brought a wave of color, culture, and warmth to Rogers Arena as the Vancouver Canucks faced off against the New York Rangers. As the Official Mexican Tourism Destination of the Vancouver Canucks, Nayarit captivated fans with an evening that celebrated the state’s vibrant Pacific heritage and growing connection to Western Canada.

During the intermission, a delegation of Wixárika (Huichol) artists from Nayarit delighted thousands of hockey fans with an authentic performance of traditional music and dance. Attendees were also invited to take part in interactive cultural experiences, including Day of the Dead face painting and the creation of Ojos de Dios crafts, while learning more about Nayarit’s new direct flights from Calgary and the destination’s diverse attractions.

The activation formed part of the “Fly to Nayarit, Connect with Mexico” campaign, which highlights new air connectivity from Vancouver and Calgary to the Riviera Nayarit International Airport (TPQ)—opening new pathways for Canadian travelers to explore Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Strengthening Tourism Ties with Canada

In addition to the arena activities, Nayarit’s delegation—led by the Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR Nayarit)—hosted an exclusive suite experience for travel partners, media, and invited guests. The event featured regional cuisine, destination presentations, and discussions about expanding tourism and cultural cooperation.

Throughout the evening, several productive meetings were held, reinforcing Nayarit’s growing position in the Canadian market:

• City of Vancouver: The city’s Director of Events expressed strong interest in collaborating on the Artes Wixárikas project previously presented by Nayarit. A private venue has already been identified as a potential site for future cultural activations.
• Airlines: Both Flair Airlines and WestJet showed interest in exploring potential new routes between Vancouver and Riviera Nayarit to further strengthen air connectivity from Western Canada.
• Tourism Associations: Representatives from ACTA and ASTA reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in training and destination promotion efforts.
• Vancouver Tourism Board: Expressed interest in developing joint marketing initiatives to promote Riviera Nayarit across British Columbia.
• Media: The Vancouver editor of The Globe and Mail expressed interest in organizing a future press trip to feature Nayarit’s cultural and tourism offerings, including its new flight connections.

Collectively, these meetings positioned Nayarit as a strategic destination for Western Canada, with strong interest from aviation, tourism, and media sectors.

A Growing Partnership

“This partnership allows us to connect directly with one of our key markets while showcasing the authentic beauty and hospitality that define Nayarit,” said Juan Enrique Suárez del Real Tostado, Secretary of Tourism for the State of Nayarit. “We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm from Canadian travelers as we strengthen our cultural and tourism ties.”

Through its ongoing collaborations with WestJet and the Vancouver Canucks, Nayarit continues to expand its visibility across Canada—merging sports marketing with destination promotion to inspire travelers to experience Mexico’s Pacific coast.

About Nayarit

Nestled along Mexico’s Pacific coast, Nayarit offers more than 200 miles of pristine beaches, luxury resorts, colonial towns, and vibrant Indigenous traditions. With the recent opening of the Riviera Nayarit International Airport (TPQ), the destination is now more accessible than ever, welcoming visitors to discover a land where luxury, nature, and culture meet.

For more information, visit www.visitnayarit.travel