The recent announcement that Guadalajara, Mexico, will host the first-ever edition of ITB Americas may be dominating that city’s tourism headlines for now, but it’s just one of several examples of the destination’s impressive ascent within the international tourism scene, according to local tourism officials.
"Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP), the organization that operates Guadalajara International Airport, reported a 9.9% increase in air passenger traffic in January compared to the same period last year — and numbers are expected to rise.
"As we continue to expand international connectivity and improve our tourism experiences across our region, we anticipate steady continued growth throughout 2025,” said Oscar Morales, deputy director of public relations and promotions for the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau. “In 2024, significant investments were made to improve local infrastructure, enhance our destination experiences and increase air connectivity from major international gateways.”
Guadalajara’s Global Awareness
Additionally, the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau has focused on strategies to enhance global awareness for the city as a world-class MICE, arts, culture and culinary destination, Morales added.
"Thanks to these dedicated efforts across sectors, Guadalajara was recognized as a top travel destination in several industry-leading, reader-voted travel awards and listings, and was selected as host city for several major international congresses that will take place in the coming years,” he said.
Naturally, Guadalajara’s airport plays a crucial role in bringing international visitors to the city. And it’s one of the most visible examples of infrastructure investment, as GAP continues an ambitious expansion project to accommodate even more travelers.
Guadalajara’s airport plays a crucial role in bringing international travelers to the city.
Credit: 2025 DepartureLevel.comLast year, the airport opened a second runway and completed an expansion and upgrade to the passenger terminal’s airside and landside sections — providing more space for passengers and introducing a variety of new restaurants. The airport also debuted a new hotel last year: Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport, the airport’s first-ever on-site hotel.
A brand-new, second airport terminal is in the works as part of a master plan slated to be completed in 2029.
The expansion and improvements at Guadalajara International Airport further strengthen its competitiveness as both a connecting hub and a user-friendly facility for origin-and-destination travel. These advantages are especially apparent when compared to Mexico City, which struggles to meet the demands of air travelers with its overcrowded Benito Juarez International Airport and inconveniently located Felipe Angeles International Airport.
Visitors to Guadalajara can also find additional new hotel choices beyond the airport. Recently opened properties in the city include the 216-room Sheraton Guadalajara Expo and 125-key Hotel Antre. Hilton, meanwhile, still has several properties in its pipeline, including Canopy by Hilton Guadalajara, Motto by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Historico and Hampton by Hilton Guadalajara Iteso.
Guadalajara’s Long-Standing Appeal
In addition to the slew of recent news from Guadalajara, the city also benefits from its long-standing reputation as a rewarding place to connect with Mexican culture and traditions, according to Morales of the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Hospicio Cabanas in Guadalajara.
Credit: 2025 Guadalajara Tourism"In Guadalajara, you’ll find the essence of Mexico and icons that represent us worldwide, including tequila, mariachi and charreria [equestrian sports], and these cultural factors continue to drive interest and growth for our destination,” he said.
Guadalajara receives many international travelers who are eager to learn more about its rich heritage and experience its major annual cultural events, such as the International Mariachi and Charreria Festival, Morales says. He notes that visitors interested in discovering more about tequila can now visit the destination on the recently relaunched Tequila Express Train, or learn more at the Tequila Lab, an interactive cultural center solely dedicated to the world-renowned spirit.
When selling Guadalajara to clients, Morales recommends that travel advisors also stress the city’s unique attractions — including the historic downtown, the artsy town of Tlaquepaque and Museo Cabanas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site graced with dramatic murals by famed muralist Jose Clemente Orozco.
Culinary Scene
Cuisine is another big draw to the destination, Morales notes.
Guadalajara offers a variety of unique cuisine.
Credit: 2025 Guadalajara Tourism "Guadalajara is known as a city rooted in innovation and tradition, and this is apparent in our thriving culinary scene,” he said, noting that travelers can taste staple dishes such as torta ahogada (a smothered sub sandwich) and birria (a traditional meat stew) at traditional eateries or explore the contemporary dining scene led by acclaimed chefs such as Francisco Ruano of Alcalde; Fabian Delgado of PalReal and Yunaites; or Mario and Karla Papa of Tete Cocina de Barrio.
In addition, Mexican media are singing the praises of several new restaurants in Guadalajara, including the Italian-inspired Palo Alto, the Japanese-focused Sekami and the Argentinian-Italian Graziano’s. When it comes to noteworthy places for drinks, meanwhile, El Gallo Altanero, a tequila-focused bar in the trendy Americana neighborhood, landed an impressive #14 spot on this year’s list of the 50 Best Bars in North America.
