Guadalajara is following in the footsteps of many of the world’s grandest cities by introducing the “GDL City Pass,” giving visitors both free access and discounts at many of the most important tourist attractions, and cultural and sporting events.
The first attractions to sign up to the digital pass are Nat Geo Ultimate Explorer, Kidzania, Michin Aquarium, Cabañas Museum, Association of Parks and Spas of Western Mexico, Tequila Express, Visiting Jalisco, Tourist Club, Tour Entre Charros, Charros de Jalisco, Guadalajara Zoo, Astros de Jalisco, Club Guadalajara, Chivas and Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra. More are expected to join the program once the new tool goes online in the third week of September,.
In addition, in combination with the “Mi Movilidad” (My Mobility) card, the pass will provide unlimited travel on all transportation routes in the metropolitan area (BRT, Tren Ligero, city buses) at a special price, as well as the Mi Bici bike share program.
There will be different types of passes available for foreign visitors, Mexican tourists from other states and locals. The “2 días GDL” type will offer two free attractions, the “3 días GDL” three free attractions, while the “3 días GDL beyond” will permit two free attractions, plus a visit to Tequila or another town near to the Guadalajara metropolitan area.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative this week, Governor Enrique Alfaro said the pass is a “powerful tourism tool” that will have “a very profound impact on the economy.” He added that it will help strengthen the “Guadalajara, Guadalajara” city brand at both home and abroad.
Jalisco Secretary of Tourism Vanesa Pérez Lamas said the initiative puts Guadalajara at the same level as major cities such as Toronto, New York, Chicago, London, Paris and Singapore in offering a visitor pass to tourists.
Various public and private organizations came together to develop the City Pass GDL. When it becomes available, the digital pass can be downloaded on the website of the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Guadalajara (OFVC): gdlmidestino.com.
How much the pass might cost visitors was not touched on at the launch, or in the related press release issued by the state government.