Mexico Expands Air Routes to Colombia and Deepens Strategic Ties at ANATO 2026 Tourism Showcase

• Mexico's Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, joined by the Mexican Embassy in Colombia, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Mexico's pavilion at the ANATO Tourism Fair, underlining the importance of the Colombian market and the two countries' shared commitment to regional cooperation.
• Viva Aerobus announced new routes from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) to Cartagena and Medellín, adding to a bilateral air network that already includes 12 direct routes.
• The agenda featured meetings with tour operators, airlines, and business associations as part of Mexico's Tourism Diplomacy strategy to establish the country as a world-class destination.

Opening Mexico's participation at the ANATO Tourism Showcase, the Mexican delegation - led by Secretary of Tourism Josefina Rodríguez Zamora and joined by Mexico's Ambassador to Colombia, Martha Patricia Ruiz Anchondo - pursued a strategic agenda focused on expanding air routes, boosting tourism marketing, and deepening the bilateral relationship with the Colombian market.

With a message of brotherhood, hospitality, and regional cooperation, Mexico inaugurated the fair's largest pavilion, covering more than 360 square meters. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Secretary Rodríguez Zamora emphasized that Mexico's presence at ANATO is an opportunity to reaffirm the close ties between the two countries and advance a shared humanistic and inclusive vision of tourism.

"Mexico's presence at ANATO underscores the importance of the Colombian market to our country. We know that Colombian travelers seek authentic experiences, and in Mexico they find familiar flavors, incredible diversity, and a warm welcome. We're here to strengthen that bond and invite more Colombians to discover country."

The Secretary also thanked the Foreign Ministry for its support through the Mexican Embassy in Colombia and Ambassador Ruiz Anchondo, whose involvement was instrumental in shaping the bilateral agenda and raising Mexico's profile at the event.

Ernesto Herrera López, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Mexican Embassy in Colombia, highlighted the strong relationship between the two nations and the growing interest among Colombians in visiting Mexico, driven by its rich culture and gastronomy. He noted that the fair is a strategic platform for showcasing Mexico's tourism offerings ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and extended an open invitation, because: "Mexico has something for everyone."

Expanding Air Routes

Mexico announced new routes to Colombia to be operated by Viva Aerobus. Flights from Felipe Ángeles International Airport will include AIFA-Cartagena, beginning on June 4, and AIFA-Medellín, beginning on June 5. These new routes are expected to increase tourism, boost economic exchange, and open up new destinations for the Colombian market.

Air service between the two countries currently includes 12 direct routes operated by Aeroméxico, Volaris, Viva Aerobus, Avianca, and Aerorepública, totaling 6,671 flights per year with an average of 90 weekly flights. This has contributed to a 12.6 percent increase in air arrivals from Colombia - a trend set to accelerate with additional routes planned for 2026 between Cartagena and Cali and the cities of Monterrey, Guadalajara, and the Felipe Ángeles International Airport.

"The growing air links between Mexico and Colombia not only deepen our bilateral relationship, but drive tourism, investment, and cultural exchange, cementing Mexico's standing as one of the most attractive international destinations for Colombian travelers," said Secretary Rodríguez Zamora.

Binational Tourism Promotion

As part of the joint agenda between the Ministries of Tourism and Foreign Affairs, the delegation met with Colombia's Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, Diana Marcela Morales Rojas. Discussions covered key bilateral tourism priorities, including streamlining entry procedures, joint promotional strategies, and opportunities for international visibility ahead of the World Cup.

Colombia was announced as Guest of Honor at the upcoming Tianguis Turístico, Mexico's flagship tourism trade show - an opportunity to deepen commercial cooperation, increase traveler exchange, and raise the profile of Colombian tourism in the Mexican market.

Luis Francisco Fierro Sosa, Director of Human Rights at the National Migration Institute, outlined measures to provide greater transparency and certainty for travelers. These include a system to track passenger flows and document arrivals and denials at the Felipe Ángeles, Mexico City, and Cancún international airports, along with a dedicated 24/7 unit to oversee secondary inspections and ensure fair treatment.

Mexico's participation in the ANATO Tourism Showcase is part of the government's broader Tourism Diplomacy strategy - an initiative aimed at establishing Mexico as a world-class destination and fostering the regional dialogue that brings the people and communities of Latin America closer together.