From Feb. 12-13, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta in Nuevo Vallarta hosted more than 500 travel professionals for the 24th annual Gala Puerto Vallarta – Riviera Nayarit trade show. The largest tourism industry gathering of its kind on Mexico’s Pacific coast, the event brought together some 100 area hoteliers and more than 70 wholesalers and tour operators, along with local tourism authorities and travel agents from Mexico, the U.S., Canada and Colombia
A spirit of enthusiasm enlivened the proceedings, as the local tourism community was already headed into its high season on the heels of a record-breaking 2017. Last year closed with the highest numbers in the destination’s history — an unprecedented 75.6 percent hotel occupancy rate and more than 3 million international airport arrivals. And, with Puerto Vallarta currently celebrating its centennial, the stage is set for 2018 to surpass last year’s figures.
Authentic Appeal
Before it was a bustling hub for tourism, Puerto Vallarta was a working fishing village with its own signature coastal dishes, street food, distinctive spirits and regional dances, music and folk art.
This element of authenticity is an asset for promotion, according to Enrique Ramos Flores, secretary of tourism for the state of Jalisco.
In 2017, Puerto Vallarta had a record-breaking year.
Credit: 2018 Visit Puerto Vallarta“It’s a city that has kept its flavor of Mexico’s past,” he said. “Other resort towns can feel like Miami Beach.”
Puerto Vallarta is also notably among Mexico’s most eco-friendly destinations, featuring both Green Key and Blue Flag certifications, a pair of international awards denoting the city’s adherence to leading standards of excellence for sustainable operations and environmental responsibility.
The safety warnings recently issued for much of Mexico, including parts of Jalisco state, have not affected the Vallarta-Nayarit area, which remains exempt from travel restrictions. In fact, Flores says Puerto Vallarta was singled out as the country’s safest beachside destination, citing the National Institute of Statistics and Geography.
“Federal, state and municipal governments are working together to keep Puerto Vallarta as safe as it has been in recent years,” Flores said.
Puerto Vallarta consistently receives high marks for safety.
Credit: 2018 Visit Puerto VallartaEvolving Offering
Current tourism investments include Puerto Magico, a new international cruise terminal under construction at the marina in conjunction with a new, world-class aquarium, which is set to be the largest in Latin America.
Javier Aranda Pedrero, director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, says the city is also actively trying to align itself with the interests and values of its modern visitors.
“We are working hard to show that, even though we are a traditional destination, we are a nice place for youth and for millennials,” he said.
A new cruise terminal called Puerto Magico is now under construction at the marina.
Credit: 2018 Puerto MagicoHe believes that today’s travelers tend to prioritize health and personal wellness, seek out eco-friendly options and value having access to the latest technology and uninterrupted Wi-Fi access.
Puerto Vallarta Hotel Updates
- Last December, Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center finished an extensive, multimillion-dollar renovation of its rooms and public spaces. Multiple dining and beverage venues have been elevated, and it features the brand-new Maiave Spa.
- The Hacienda at Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort is an adults-only, all-suite section of the resort styled after an old-world Mexican manor house and gardens. It opened in March.
- Costa Sur Resort & Spa recently completed a $1 million upgrade of its accommodations — 60 new suites have an oceanfront view.
- Park Royal Puerto Vallarta is in the process of constructing a new tower of oceanview suites, and in December it will unveil a rooftop pool, a sky bar and two new specialty restaurants.
The Details
Visit Puerto Vallarta
www.visitpuertovallarta.com
