Puerto Vallarta's Strong Presence on Seatrade Cruise Global

From April 7 to 10, the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust—representing the entire state of Jalisco—participated in the 40th annual Seatreade Cruise Global, the cruise industry's premier event held at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Seatrade Cruise Global is the largest and longest-running event of its kind, bringing together cruise lines, suppliers, travel agents, specialized media, and partners from around the world. Its agenda includes an international congress with thematic panels, opportunities to create commercial alliances, and launches of innovative products and services.

Puerto Vallarta was present on a Mexican island, along with the destinations of Chiapas and Yucatán. Likewise, the city's ASIPONA was present within the "Ports of Mexico" pavilion, which brought together all of the country's port facilities.

Participation in the fair is part of the tourism promotion strategy to attract more routes, shipping companies, and visitors to Jalisco, a destination now that Mexico is the country that receives the most cruises in the world and Puerto Vallarta is one of the most visited destinations on the Mexican Pacific route.

Furthermore, it's the port where cruise ships stay the longest, allowing for greater interaction with the destination and, consequently, greater economic benefits. Therefore, the destination was accompanied by tour companies River Park, Vallarta Adventures, and Vallarta Shorex, who demonstrated the wide variety of experiences the destination offers to the cruise lines.

The delegation, led by Luis Villaseñor and Carlos Mora of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust, met with executives of the shipping companies operating in the destination, including Carnival Group, Princess, and Norwegian, to share the latest developments in Puerto Vallarta.

Among the highlights were the infrastructure expansions taking place in the city—such as major roadworks and the construction of a second terminal at Puerto Vallarta International Airport—as well as the proximity to Tequila thanks to the new highway, which makes it easier to travel to places beyond the coast.

The possibility of Puerto Vallarta becoming a home port was also raised, taking advantage of its existing infrastructure, including a beautiful port area, its privileged geographic location, and growing air connectivity. These factors could boost its role as a launching pad for cruise routes in the Mexican Pacific.

Additionally, within the framework of the meeting, they met with ASIPONA Puerto Vallarta executives to determine actions to improve the passenger experience and learn about the new features the port will have in the coming months. Meetings were also held with the leaders of the Islas Marías tourism project to seek partnerships that would boost the destination's nautical sector.

According to records from the National Port System Administration (ASIPONA) in Puerto Vallarta, in 2024 Jalisco received 167 cruise ships with more than 548,000 tourists and nearly 200,000 crew members, generating an estimated revenue of $120 per passenger.

With more than 11,000 attendees, 600 exhibitors, and representation from more than 70 cruise lines, Seatrade Cruise Global was a strategic opportunity to strengthen business alliances, generate new agreements, and attract more vessels to the coasts of Jalisco.

With a notable presence at this event, Puerto Vallarta consolidates its position as one of Mexico's main passenger arrival ports, a competitive and attractive destination for tourists from around the world.