Fort Lauderdale – November 8, 2024 – This year’s edition of the prestigious trade accolades, the Travvy Awards, held last night in Fort Lauderdale, reaffirmed that Nayarit’s Ministry of Tourism campaign continues to successfully position one of Mexico’s it destinations as it was named one of the international award’s best tourism boards. This recognition is especially significant, as it reflects the Ministry of Tourism’s ongoing effort to promote Nayarit as a top-level tourist destination, with unique and sustainable experiences that attract North American travelers.
The Travvy Awards, organized by TravelPulse and AGENTatHOME, are a highly prestigious distinction in the tourism industry, consolidating itself as a benchmark for quality providers in destinations, hotels, airlines, operators and more. With an audience of more than 500 industry leaders, including travel advisors, tour operators, specialized media and industry representatives, the event is a key space to highlight our offer and strengthen Nayarit’s presence on the international tourism map.
“We are proud to share that Nayarit has been awarded the Bronze prize for “Best Tourism Office – Mexico” as this recognition is especially important for our positioning in the North American market” said Juan Enrique Suarez del Read Tostado, Minister of Tourism of the Sate of Nayarit. “By receiving an award voted for by travel advisors who know the preferences of travelers, Nayarit establishes itself as a reliable and attractive destination, ideal for those seeking culture, nature and authenticity in their travels. “
“This achievement drives us to continue innovating and offering services and experiences that highlight the biodiversity, cultural heritage and authenticity of Nayarit. With this support, we are committed to maintaining the standards that have made Nayarit an attractive destination, thus consolidating our presence in the competitive North American market.”
The award was accepted on behalf of Nayarit by Mr. Carlos Omar Herrera Matias, Consul of Economic, Commercial Affairs and Tourism Promotion of the Consulate General of Mexico in Miami, strengthening tourism diplomacy in Nayarit’s strategic projects in the Florida region.
Nayarit’s Ministry of Tourism has been proactively working an intense campaign to position its multiple destinations across the state, including its nine Magical Towns, its historic and archaeological offerings as well as it culinary offerings and outdoor adventures possibilities as well as its internationally renowned destination of Riviera Nayarit. The board has participated in over 50 events across the US and Canada this year, including key industry events such as Northstar Travel Group’s GTM and GTM West, ATTA’s Elevate, PROUD Experiences and the IGLTA Annual Conference, ASTA’s Annual Conference, Virtuoso Week and ALG’s Ascend.
Nayarit began 2024 with the announcement that it had taken the steps to be a “Virtuoso Preferred Destination”, as well as a member of USTOA (US Tour Operators Association), ASTA (Association of Travel Agents), ATTA (Adventure Tourism Industry Association ) and IGLTA (International Tourism Association) ensuring a trade reach of great importance to the destination.
This year, Nayarit announced it has joined the big leagues with exclusive sports alliances with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Cowboys and Canada’s Vancouver Canucks, developing consumer-focused campaigns that will position its tourism offerings in front of millions of North American sports fans.
In 2025, it will be hosting Gala Riviera Nayarit- Puerto Vallarta when it will host over a thousand members of the travel trade industry. This event will be key for the destination as it will provide participants the opportunity to experience many of works the ministry and governor have been working on.
The airport is expected to be fully operational in the first trimester of 2025. The opening will include new jet bridges, more than 33,000 square feet of shops and restaurants, and a new car rental center with international brands like Avis, Budget, and Hertz franchises. The entire immigration process will also be digital. The airport completed its first international test flight in April, marking a pivotal step in its transformation. The decision to rebrand was a strategic one to position the airport as the gateway to Riviera Nayarit.
Nayarit’s hotel sector is also experiencing unprecedented growth, with at least ten new openings planned by 2026. Major hotel investors, including AMResorts, Grupo Vidanta, Marriott International, and Melia, are spearheading this expansion. Family-friendly hotels such as Iberostar Grand and the Cirque du Soleil theme park will enhance Nayarit’s appeal as a premier destination for all ages. The development plan also includes opening Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Westin, Autograph Collection, and Ritz-Carlton properties. Melia Hotels International Group will introduce the Gran Melia Hotel in Riviera Nayarit with 180 rooms and suites and the Hotel Zel Sayulita in 2025. The Belmont brand will debut its Milaroca hotel in 2025, while Montage and Pendry are slated to open within the Punta Mita complex in 2026.
This increase in hotel bookings to the Riviera Nayarit is also seen in an increase in arrivals to the three airports that serve the state, including the Bay of Banderas; which has surged with over 3.7 million arrivals by air in the first half of 2024. This marks a 2.6 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
For photos, click here.
Media contact: Gustavo Rivas-Solis
gustavo@enroutecommunications.com
