Advisors React to Ontario PM Doug Ford’s “Don’t Go to Mexico” Comment

As if travel advisors don’t have enough on their plate right now, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has told Canadians to avoid travelling to Mexico at all, suggesting instead maybe “pick an island somewhere or (stay) here in Canada.”

Ford made the comments at an unrelated press conference Monday, saying the country is not stable at the moment; “I highly recommend: don’t go to Mexico,” he said.

The comment came as Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says the situation happening in Puerto Vallarta should normalize in the coming days. Speaking at a different press conference Monday (February 23), Anand said her government is working with their Mexican counterparts to ensure the safety of the 26,305 Canadians in Mexico who have registered with Global Affairs Canada.

So what the heck Dougie?

First, context is key.

It’s important to distinguish between political commentary and official travel advisories issued by the Government of Canada. Travel advisories are determined federally and are based on formal risk assessments, not off the cuff comments by a provincial politician.

Then there’s the sheer size of Mexico. Mexico is the 13th largest country in the world; it can fit about 5 France or Germanys in it. Puerto Vallarta isn’t anywhere near to the Quintana Roo area where Cancun, Riviera Maya are – something advisors have been stressing to their clients who are anxious about travelling to popular spots in the Mexican Caribbean.

“Take the time to understand your geography and perception of risk, the distance between Cancun and PVR is 2500 km. That’s like saying I’m at risk in Michigan because of an incident in Florida or don’t travel to Canada because of a tragedy in BC,” travel advisor Michelle Whalen, UNIGLOBE The Premiere Travel Group told Travel Market Report.

“If I was at risk I would be hearing from the airline saying it’s time to come home. Many many times I feel safer in Mexico than I do my hometown,” she added.

“So disappointed that a person of authority and influence would cause great anxiety in people by sharing incorrect and misleading information,” advisor Sarah Boville, owner of Barefoot Travel Agency told us.

“Ask him if when the Canucks lose in Vancouver and the fans riot in the streets, should we tell the whole country to lock down and tell foreign travellers to not come here during playoffs? Unbelievable, the fear mongering is BS,” Edmonton-based Lauren Pham of Platinum Dreams Travel Concierge told us.

“I would invite him to come to Cabos and eat the best fish tacos, have an expresso martini watching the whales and drink Pacifico beer and then I’d ask him again,” joked Sandos BDM Juan Ruiz.

“Well… he’s his own social media. Rage-bait at its finest,” added advisor Leon Vanier.

“Dougie needs a geographical lesson of Mexico. I wonder if he’s ever step foot on Mexican soil? I live in Akumal region of Riviera Maya and all is normal and business as usual,” advisor Rachael Bertrand, of Travel with Rachel explained. “When the chaos of PVR became known yesterday, there were some precautions being advised and suggested by local businesses and authorities. The events are real and quite scary in PVR and it is normal that people would be cautious and scared. But geographically, people need to understand that Jalisco state (where Guadalajara and PVR are located) are no where near Quintana Roo state (Cancun & Rivera Maya) one of the busiest & most popular tourist destinations of Mexico. The governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama has addressed the state multiple times on her socials to update and assure that all is business as usual and extra military & security measures are being deployed.”

The situation in Puerto Vallarta began unfolding Sunday while many Canadians were watching the men’s Olympic Gold Medal Hockey Game. “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed during a clash with military special forces; the CJNG is one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations. In retaliation, the cartel caused chaos in the streets with roadblock incidents, vehicle fires and significant traffic disruption around Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas.

As a result, authorities temporarily closed the airport to normal operations — affecting passenger movement and causing uncertainty for travellers and aviation partners. Air Canada, Transat, WestJet and Porter have all suspended flights and are allowing travellers to change their flights through February 25, though that could be extended.

Mexico consistently ranks among the top international destinations for Canadian travellers, especially from Ontario and Western Canada. Key gateways such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and Riviera Maya rely heavily on Canadian winter traffic. Over 2.8 million of us visited last year.