Mazatlán, Mexico’s “Colonial City on the Beach,” announced that Sun Country Airlines will increase service to the destination this winter from Minneapolis/St. Paul from two to four flights per week, offering nonstop flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays beginning on December 20, 2014.

With more than 300,000 travelers from the United States and Canada visiting Mazatlán in 2013, which was the most since 2007, the destination is expected to see upwards of 550,000 visitors from those key markets in 2014. The momentum is largely due to increased accessibility through new flights and cruise line returns, key infrastructure developments and a booming Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions  (MICE) industry.

“We are extremely pleased with the positive developments that have transformed Mazatlán over the past several years, and even more excited about the prospect of future growth in our key industries, including tourism,” said Frank Cordova, Secretary of Tourism for the region.

“Beyond our beautiful beaches, world-class gastronomy and cultural heritage, Mazatlán offers unique opportunities for continued growth as travelers and investors alike seek out unique Pacific coast destinations in Mexico. This is further demonstrated with the increased connectivity announced today with our partner, Sun Country Airlines.”

In the first quarter of 2014, Mazatlán received 548,000 hotel guest arrivals, growing nearly 18 percent from Q1 2012 and nearly nine percent from Q1 2013. In addition, in Q1 2014, Mazatlán experienced 74 percent occupancy rates in its hotels, a figure that grew from 52 percent in Q1 2012.

In 2014, it is projected that Mazatlán will host 667 MICE events, with growth rates expected to reach 57 percent from 2012 and nearly 37 percent from 2013.

Mazatlan Tourism Board, www.GoMazatlan.com