State announces alliance with the NHL team
Nayarit is putting out the welcome mat for Vancouver Canucks fans.
And at the same time it is reassuring those who enthusiastically support the Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Senators, Jets, Flames and Oilers that they too will also be more than welcome in the Pacific Ocean-fronting Mexican state.
Nayarit governor Miguel Navarro Quintero announced that the state is now the official Mexican Tourism Destination of the Vancouver Canucks and the team’s home game venue, Rogers Arena.
“We are very pleased to be able to partner with such an integral part of the Vancouver world,” Navarro Quintero said. “We invite Vancouverites to visit the state of Nayarit to embark on a journey filled with rugged, pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences.
“We are home to breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Nayarit is always an unforgettable experience for travellers seeking relaxation, adventure, and exploration.”
Nayarit’s outreach drew a quick reply of appreciation.
“One of the great things about the game of hockey is its ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds, which makes this new partnership with the state of Nayarit so meaningful,” said Michael Doyle, president, Canucks Sports &Entertainment, Business Operations. “Our fans enjoy unforgettable experiences at Rogers Arena, and I’m sure they’ll also be eager to visit Mexico and immerse themselves in the stunning scenery and rich culture of Nayarit.”
As the “Official Mexican Tourism Destination of the Canucks,” the state of Nayarit will benefit from a what’s described as a comprehensive, multi-platform marketing campaign that will feature its tourism offerings. The partnership with Canucks Sports & Entertainment includes onsite events, signage across Rogers Arena, and social media promotions for VIP experiences with the team.
The partnership marks the second sports alliance for Nayarit, which partnered with the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys in August.
Nayarit hopes its tourism trade will benefit from the publicity the alliances will create.
“Our goal is to position the tourism offerings of the destination in front of the NHL fans,” said Gustavo Rivas-Solis, who handles publicity for Nayarit. “Of course all fans are welcome to Nayarit and we are ready for them.
Rivas-Solis said Nayarit and Vancouver and its surrounding area share many traits, “from the culture and importance placed on the Indigenous populations, to the outdoors and the beaches. There is so much that we share and that we can provide this winter season.”
Meanwhile, Toronto Uniglobe travel agent Ethel Hansen Davey — a self-described die-hard Leafs fan since her pre-teens and also an enthusiastic backer of Mexican tourism — said Nayarit’s reaching out to a rival NHL team doesn’t bother her in the least, nor does she think fans of the other Canadian NHL teams should feel miffed.
“Hockey needs all the international promotion that it can get,” she said. “Imagine that some countries have never heard of the game or have never seen a game.
“Nayarit is a wonderful destination. The West Coast of Mexico still shines.”
