City has a long history of welcoming travellers

Puerto Vallarta is proudly promoting itself as a loyal friend of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and says it has the track record to prove it.

Luis Villasenor, director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, says his Pacific Ocean destination has long been welcoming to LGBTQIA2S+ travellers, who he says will feel at home in a city that has a “gaybourhood.”

“For us, it’s very important,” he said of the LGBTQIA2S+ market during March’s Gala Riviera Nayarit-Puerto Vallarta, a tourism show hosted jointly by Puerto Vallarta and the bordering Riviera Nayarit.

Villasenor is quick to cite a survey that labelled Puerto Vallarta the second-most gay-friendly city in the world. 

LGBTQIA2S+ travellers now account for 30% of those visiting Puerto Vallarta and 40% of its tourism revenues. 

Puerto Vallarta’s tourist board on one night during Gala Riviera Nayarit-Puerto Vallarta hosted some delegates at Almar, billed as a luxury LGBTQIA2S+ hotel, where among other things they saw drag queen performances.

Gay pride flags are often seen flying on Puerto Vallarta businesses.

Late May sees Vallarta Pride, several days of celebrating the LGBT community. The event draws participants from afar and Villasenor noted its May timing means it’s held before similar festivals in North America. 

He said Puerto Vallarta has a long history of reaching out to the LGBT community, among other things having legalized same-sex marriage years ago.

The city’s large expatriate community includes many LGBT members, he added.

Meanwhile, Villasenor said all visitors will feel comfortable in Puerto Vallarta, regardless of their backgrounds. 

“Everybody is welcome,” he continued. “We’re really friendly.”