How was the destination's recovery after the pandemic in terms of tourism?
2022 was historic and this 2023 we are breaking records. We had great growth in terms of cruises, and they continue to arrive even now that it is low season. We expect a little more than 530,000 cruise passengers at the end of the year, which represents between 120 and 150 dollars of economic benefit per cruise passenger. In terms of passengers, the expectation is to exceed 6 million visitors to the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. So far in August there are already 4.7 million users, which is 13% more than last year, and the arrival of international passengers is 12% up compared to 2022. We also hope to reach almost 25,000 operations at the airport that we achieve in 2022. Then regarding the issue of occupancy, we are up 76% in these first seven months of the year, which represents 3% above what we closed in 2019 in average annual occupancy. Then the very positive indices continue for the destination, the inventory of rooms in the region, both hotels and Airbnb platforms, is increasing more and more and in total they add up to almost 30,000 units in the metropolitan area of Puerto Vallarta, so the supply has simply increased and demand per room has increased.
What can the tourist who arrives in Puerto Vallarta encounter?
Post-pandemic, several companies arrived in the area, above all to develop the world of the youngest, which is the audience we are looking to attract, and generate greater experiences such as beach clubs, which have been increasing in the last two years, and experiences with DJ parties. A post-pandemic butterfly farm was also opened, and in the Estero del Salado you can learn a lot about wetlands, crocodiles, the importance of purifying water, etc. Then a new airport terminal has been opened that will reuse rainwater, use geothermal energy, solar panels and will have great care and respect for the environment. For its construction, trees and animals that were in that area have been relocated to generate the least possible impact on the opening of this new Terminal 2 for international issues. Besides,
In terms of connectivity then, with the new airport structure we expect one million visitors starting in 2024, but the road issue also has great value since it connects the state capital with Guadalajara and shortens the distance between all the states of the country. . This is essential for domestic travelers who have land access to Puerto Vallarta, since to get here it is not necessary to fly, there are direct flights but you can also get there by road and you can enjoy everything that this landscape offers, like volcanoes, lagoons and farms.
Finally, we expect major hotel renovations and new openings. So yes, everything continues to grow at the tourism level to be more than prepared to continue growing as a destination.
What are the main international markets for Puerto Vallarta?
Our main market is the United States, we have flights to 23 cities and starting in December we will add a flight from Ontario. Then Canada, with a connection with 15 cities, and then we have 15 cities in Mexico and one to Europe, to England with Manchester. We also have high expectations in the case of Canada, and we will have between 18 and 25% increase in collection in the United States, which remains at the level of 2022 and very good compared to 2019. Regarding secondary markets, we are talking about Latin America and mainly Colombia and Argentina. Colombia, due to the proximity and the number of flights we have, including arriving in Guadalajara and making a circuit through Jalisco, and Argentina, due to its profile that is very prone to traveling and especially to taking long-stay tours.
What are the attributes of Puerto Vallarta for the MICE sector?
The great advantage that Puerto Vallarta has for those celebrating a congress, convention, incentive trip or an Expo is that beyond the fact that we have an International Convention Center, we have a wide range of hotels that have rooms to carry out these events. sessions and a wide range of destination management suppliers and decoration suppliers specialized in meeting tourism. Furthermore, due to our geographical position we are very accessible, and if it is a national event, they can come here and have a better and greater participation of attendees who can come from all over the Republic; And if it is an international congress or event, the connectivity we have is a great advantage so that they can arrive from both the North and South of the continent or even from Europe.
How is your promotion continuing at an international level?
The next fair we have is FIT, taking advantage of the great love and bond we have with Argentina, and we will be present to be in contact with our partners and continue connecting and building relationships with the Argentine market, and of course invite the consumer Once you arrive in Mexico City, you can take a very simple step with a direct flight or road to Puerto Vallarta, which offers colonial cities, more than 100 kilometers of beaches, culture, entertainment, mountains with many rivers and waterfalls that you can explore. Really, if the Argentine is looking to come to Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is where all those colors and traditions that the Argentinian really likes come to life. We also have an incredible festival on the Day of the Dead, with many cantinas and a great gastronomic offer.
Puerto Vallarta is a destination that has it all and that is experienced 365 days a year with experiences, culture, hotels, beaches, gastronomy, and most importantly, you can find an option according to each person's budget. In Puerto Vallarta, the fact that all products are local and from the region makes them much more competitive, in addition to the fact that the airport and the hotel infrastructure, restaurants and nightclubs are located very close, which reduces mobility spending, and Thus, a large part of the budget can be allocated to experiences, whether going on a tour, eating at a good restaurant or going to enjoy the nightlife.