Destination is 'the real Mexico'
IAN STALKER
Puerto Vallarta tourism officials say their destination is clearly distinguishable from some of the newer resort destinations that have opened up on Mexico’s shores in recent decades.
And that suits them just fine.
Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board director Luis Villasenor says the Pacific coast destination has a long past, which enhances its charm greatly.
“They (foreign tourists vacationing in Puerto Vallarta) want to experience the real Mexico,” he says. “We always say that Puerto Vallarta is where Mexico comes to life.
“In Puerto Vallarta, we have been there forever.”
Villasenor proudly states that his destination features “very typical Mexican architecture” and notes that fall sees it celebrate the Day of the Dead — a uniquely Mexican event that has people pay tribute to their ancestors — enthusiastically.
Puerto Vallarta is home to over 1,000 restaurants featuring dozens of types of cuisines, among them Greek and Taiwanese.
The tourism board’s marketing director Sandra Munoz Arias in turn notes that visitors will find Puerto Vallarta offers over “50 open-air activities,” among them opportunities to swim with wild dolphins and skydiving for the very adventurous.
Puerto Vallarta — found in the state of Jalisco — borders the state of Nayarit and so those vacationing on the popular Riviera Nayarit can easily visit Puerto Vallarta during their holidays, perhaps enjoying some of its nightlife or restaurants.
Munoz Arias reports Jalisco was the first state in Mexico to reopen to tourists after the onset of the pandemic and it has taken numerous steps to ensure the safety of both visitors and locals, with 95% of hotel staff being vaccinated as of November.
Villasenor notes his destination has traditionally had a widespread following in this country, with air service to Puerto Vallarta available from many Canadian cities.
Tourism authorities are “very excited” over the return of Canadian tourists, he adds.
Tourism officials also that those vacationing in Puerto Vallarta can also visit Lake Chapala on day trips, with Mexico’s largest lake home to communities that feature colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and quaint restaurants.
Lake Chapala is also known for a mild climate that tourists often appreciate.
