The arrival rate of foreign visitors grew by 9% in 2016, reaching 35 million people, which made it the eighth most visited country in the world and the first in Latin America. The Bank of Mexico reported between January and February 2017, 5.8 million international tourists arrived in the country, while during the same period of last year 5.5 million visitors were welcomed(a 4.1% increase). The number only refers to overnight travelers.
On weekends and long weekends, especially during busy seasons, it is rare for a visitor to be able to make a last minute hotel reservation in Mexico’s most touristy areas: Puerto Vallarta, the Riviera Maya, Cancun or Mexico City. After the decade’s rocky beginnings – due to the influenza A outbreak in Mexico and the major recession, which severely impacted the US economy (the most important contributor to Mexico’s tourism sector) – the hospitality sector has managed to take off again during these last few years.
Why these improved results? Experts say: the weakness of the Mexican peso compared to other international currencies, making Mexico a cheaper tourist destination for foreign visitors; the strength of the US economy, the country which accounts for one third of all visitors to Mexico, as well as the increase in the number of flight connections between Mexico and countries responsible for the majority of Mexican tourism clientele (United States, Canada, Europe, and the rest of Latin America). To these factors should be added the recurrent instability of countries such as Turkey and Egypt which are seen as competitors to Mexico by the European public.
Experience for yourself how beyond gay friendly Puerto Vallarta can be.
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.
