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.

While TIAC 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.

As TIAC 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. They hope is that with continued collaboration, they 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.