Puerto Vallarta Expands LGBTQ Luxury Global Partnerships at Proud Experiences by ILTM North America 2025 event
Puerto Vallarta expands LGBTQ Luxury Global Partnerships by participating in Proud Experiences by ILTM North America 2025 event. It is a relatively new LGBTQ+ industry event for industry leaders to network and promote within the LGBTQ luxury travel market.
The Proud Experiences by ILTM North America 2025 event was organized by the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) brought together 525 exhibitors and a similar number of buyers from all five continents including renowned tourist destinations, travel agencies, boutique hotels, and premium hospitality chains seeking to connect with the LGBTQ+ market
Puerto Vallarta’s tourism officials secured 60 one‑on‑one meetings with buyers, premium tour operators, and global hospitality brands. The objective: deepen partnerships and present the city’s inclusive luxury identity to international decision‑makers.
The Gathering will feature a dynamic lineup of discussions highlighting key perspectives in LGBTQ+ travel and hospitality. Industry leaders Kimberly Wilson Wetty and Haisley Smith will share insights on how travel advisors can authentically support LGBTQ+ clients from consultation to destination.
Marriott International’s Brian King and Travel + Leisure’s Nina Ruggiero will explore how major hospitality brands are advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion across the guest experience and workplace culture. Longtime advocate Ed Salvato will present exclusive new data on the business case for LGBTQ+ travel in “The State of LGBTQ+ Tourism” session.
The event will conclude with an interactive Masterclass led by Salvato and hospitality expert Jim McPartlin, offering practical strategies to help brands meaningfully grow their LGBTQ+ travel segment.
Puerto Vallarta LGBTQ+ travel in 2025: Numbers: Tourism, Infrastructure & Performance
- The newly released 2025 Tourism Intelligence Report confirms that 84 % of Puerto Vallarta’s municipal GDP is tied to tourism.
- As of early 2025, the airport has already welcomed over 3 million passengers, with domestic travel up ~14 %.
- Hotel occupancy remains strong: the 2025 report cites an average rate of 73.8 % across the city.
- However, the city faces headwinds: in July 2025, foreign tourism fell by 5 %, continuing a trend of 11 consecutive months of decline in international arrivals.
- Puerto Vallarta’s international arrivals in March 2025 reached 245,154 visitors. Wile cruise tourism dipped slightly, with 86 arrivals and ~265,098 passengers between January–May 2025, this placed the city as the 5th major cruise port by traffic.
LGBTQ+ Tourism & Impact For Puerto Vallarta
- In 2023, Puerto Vallarta welcomed approximately 2 million LGBTQ+ tourists, generating a record 17 billion pesos in economic activity, and accounting for nearly 40 % of Vallarta’s tourism GDP.
- Within the Romantic Zone, LGBTQ+ visitors contribute up to 70 % of local business revenue (hotels, nightlife, wellness, dining).
- The 2025 edition of Vallarta Pride drew over 20,000 visitors, boosting LGBTQ+ tourism by ~40 % and reinforcing the city’s inclusive reputation.
Award & Recognition Highlights
- Puerto Vallarta was awarded “Beach Destination of the Year” and three additional titles at the 2023 LGBTQ+ Travel Awards.
- It was also named among the world’s 10 most inclusive cities by Airbnb.
- The city continues to champion inclusive hospitality standards — recognized as one of the safest LGBTQ+ destinations globally.
What It Means for Travelers in 2025
Visitors in 2025 can expect a more refined Puerto Vallarta — with more luxury stays, curated wellness and biohacking experiences, vibrant nightlife, and deep cultural programming, all in a city known for its safety and inclusivity.
Thanks to its strengthened presence in global forums like Proud Experiences, travelers may see more luxury LGBTQ+ accommodations offerings as with the recent Tryst Hotel Puerto Vallarta opening. Other very curated health and wellness experiences are found at Holistic Bio Spa and ThrIVE Puerto Vallarta.
For more Puerto Vallarta LGBTQ news and travel information visit the GAYPV website here
Author: Tim Wilson
Wilson is the founder of GAYPV.com and www.gaybartour.com and has been the leading LGBTQ+ travel and lifestyle authority in Puerto Vallarta since 2005. With over two decades of local expertise, Wilson specializes in being a community advocate and leader for Puerto Vallarta , and local cultural insights that only a long-term resident can provide. He has dedicated 20+ years to advocating for safe, inclusive travel in Banderas Bay, establishing GAYPV as the region's most trusted resident insider.. His work has been cited by major travel publications, and he is widely recognized as a trusted insider voice on Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
