Nayarit, March 21, 2025 – The 30th edition of Gala Riviera Nayarit-Puerto Vallarta took place this past Thursday and Friday at the Vidanta Nuevo Nayarit Conference Center, welcomed over a thousand members of the travel trade industry to Mexico’s Pacific tourism capital. The event, a landmark in the tourism sector, has surpassed previous records with an unprecedented number of attendees and business opportunities.
Gala is one of Mexico’s longest-running trade events, designed to provide a platform for international and national room buyers to secure accommodations for the coming year and beyond. This year, the Ministry of Tourism of Nayarit worked closely with key tourism players, including USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association), ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors), ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association), and IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association), to expand Nayarit’s exposure to new markets. A significant portion of hosted attendees were new to the region, furthering the state’s objective of diversifying its tourism appeal.
Showcasing Nayarit’s Expanding Tourism Offerings
Prior to the conference, hosted media and trade professionals embarked on immersive familiarization trips to discover the diverse tourism offerings of Nayarit. These trips highlighted key destinations, including the Magical Towns of San Blas, Ixtlán del Río, and Jala, as well as the scenic Bay of Banderas.
During these visits, attendees explored:
- The Tourism School, an innovative initiative shaping the future of hospitality and tourism education.
- Cacao farms, emphasizing Nayarit’s growing reputation in sustainable agriculture and specialty products.
- The revival of traditional sweets, spirits, and cultural attire, showcasing the state’s rich heritage.
- Outdoor and adventure tourism, from undeveloped beaches to rugged mountainous landscapes.
- The state’s historical, archaeological, and culinary highlights.
- The world-renowned luxury resorts and beachfront escapes of Riviera Nayarit.
These initiatives align with Nayarit’s tourism campaigns: Awaken Paradise for Riviera Nayarit and Mexico to Discover for the broader state of Nayarit, positioning the region as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking cultural authenticity, adventure, and luxury.
Nayarit’s Sports and Adventure Tourism Boom
Nayarit made strategic moves in sports tourism, securing high-profile partnerships with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, and Vancouver Canucks. These collaborations showcase Nayarit’s adventure-filled landscapes to millions of North American sports fans.
The state is also gaining traction as a premier sports tourism hub. Sayulita’s world-class waves, Ceboruco Volcano’s paragliding appeal, and a series of international sporting events are attracting thousands of athletes and spectators. In partnership with Sabino Producciones, the Nayarit Tourism Secretariat has curated a lineup of events designed to elevate Nayarit’s reputation as an adventure destination.
Tepic-Riviera Nayarit International Airport: A New Gateway to the Pacific
A pivotal development in Nayarit’s tourism expansion is the transformation of Tepic-Riviera Nayarit International Airport (TPQ) into a major regional hub. By early 2025, the airport will feature:
- New jet bridges
- Over 33,000 square feet of retail and dining spaces
- A state-of-the-art car rental center featuring Avis, Budget, and Hertz franchises
- Fully digitalized immigration processes
The airport conducted its first international test flight in April and is on track to handle four million passengers annually. The first direct international flight to Los Angeles (LAX) is scheduled to launch on July 16, 2025, solidifying Nayarit’s status as a prime entry point to the Mexican Pacific.
Nayarit’s Hospitality Boom: A Surge in Luxury and Family-Friendly Resorts
The state’s hotel sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with at least ten new properties opening by 2026. Major brands expanding into the region include:
- AMResorts, Grupo Vidanta, Marriott International, and Melia
- Luxury properties: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Ritz-Carlton, Westin, and Autograph Collection
- Family-friendly resorts: Iberostar Grand and the upcoming Cirque du Soleil theme park
- Exclusive new openings: Gran Meliá Hotel in Riviera Nayarit (180 rooms), Hotel Zel Sayulita (2025), Belmond’s Milaroca (2025), and Montage & Pendry in Punta Mita (2026)
This rapid development has fueled a surge in hotel bookings, leading to a record-breaking 3.7 million air arrivals in the first half of 2024, a 2.6% increase from 2023.
Gala Riviera Nayarit-Puerto Vallarta 2025: A Landmark Event
The event officially kicked off Wednesday with an opening reception at Puerto Vallarta’s iconic Lázaro Cárdenas Park.This colorful venue provided a stunning backdrop for the Springtime Celebration, setting the tone for an event poised to break records and drive significant tourism growth.
With a packed agenda of business meetings, networking opportunities, and cultural showcases, Gala Riviera Nayarit-Puerto Vallarta 2025 was a testament to Nayarit’s evolution into one of Mexico’s most dynamic and sought-after destinations.
For photos, click here!
Media contact,
Gustavo Rivas-Solis
gustavo@enroutecommunications.com
