San Diego’s tourism industry, including local hotels, is expecting a boost in Asian visitors next year, with the launch of daily nonstop service between Tijuana and Beijing by Mexico’s Aeromexico. This service is expected to begin in Q1 2017. Aeromexico also offers direct flights three days a week to Shanghai. Currently, the only nonstop Asian flight out of San Diego International Airport is offered daily by Japan Airlines.

Tomás Ramírez, commercial director of Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, Aeromexico’s parent company, told the San Diego Union-Tribune his company is awaiting approval from one of China's largest private operators before the new service can begin. He said this flight may also offer an extension to Mexico City.

Increasing international tourism is a top priority for the San Diego Tourism Authority, according to SDTA CEO Joe Terzi, who said at a recent Bisnow hospitality event that negotiations are underway with three Chinese airlines to begin nonstop service to SAN. Meanwhile, passengers traveling to and from Beijing would have access to San Diego from Otay Mesa's new Cross-Border Xpress Terminal (above) to Tijuana International Airport via the CBX Sky Bridge, which spans the US-Mexico border. [SDUT]