Spain’s Grupo Iberostar recently christened its 10th property in Mexico and its first in the Riviera Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta. The resort, Iberostar Playa Mita, is a five-star, all-inclusive, family friendly experience that officially opened its doors this past December. With 452 rooms, many of which offer ocean views, the Playa Mita is the latest addition to this booming stretch of Mexico’s Pacific coast.
In his remarks at the inaugural opening, Miguel Fluxá, executive chairman of Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, expressed the company’s optimism for the future of this region and its people.
“Riviera Nayarit is a land that, to the extent you know it, you love it more,” said Fluxá.
The Riviera Nayarit region has not been without security concerns over the last several years, however. But Fluxá and Iberostar recognized early on what now seems apparent to all: Mexico has made huge strides in reversing the recent spate of security concerns, especially in the State of Nayarit. At a recent press conference during the resort’s grand opening, Fluxá addressed this along with Nayarit State’s governor, Roberto Sandoval-Castañeda, who noted that Nayarit had Mexico’s second-highest reduction in crime last year.
Also on hand for the opening ceremonies was Carlos Joaquín, sub-secretary of tourism for the Mexican government. Together with Fluxá and Governor Sandoval-Castañeda, the three men expressed optimism for Nayarit’s future, citing the unique partnership between government and private enterprise that brought this development to fruition.
Most significant was construction of new highway from Guadalajara to Nayarit that Fluxá saw as essential to Nayarit’s future and Iberostar’s commitment. The new highway will include a freeway from Jala, in northern Nayarit State, to Puerto Vallarta, and should cut the current three-hour drive in half. With Mr. Fluxá’s urging and Sandoval-Castañeda’s support, the project was approved and work began last year on the initial phase of construction.
Sandoval-Castañeda also pointed out Nayarit’s commitment of $15.3 million for infrastructure development.
“We are very convinced that the growth we will have with this Iberostar hotel … is the tip of the arrow that we need in Riviera Nayarit,” said Sandoval-Castañeda.
The governor and Fluxá also acknowledged the crucial role of Mexico’s central bank, Banco de Mexico, in financing the project which totaled $136 million. Fluxá also said that improvement in the U.S. economy has added to Iberostar’s interest in the Mexico’s Pacific coast.
“I feel confident the U.S. economy will improve due to government intervention,” Fluxá said.
Additionally, Fluxá cited rising prosperity in Mexico and its growing middle class for Iberostar’s confidence in the future of Riviera Nayarit. Iberostar currently holds an additional parcel of land near its Playa Mita property, located on the opposite side of the Litibu Golf Club.
The Details
Iberostar Playa Mita www.iberostar.com
