Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The 2012 World Economic Forum on Latin America, which ends today at the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center. The meeting, which began on April 16, under the theme "Regional Transformation in a New Global Context," has registered a record number of participants for this gathering, with close to 900 top regional and global leaders from 70 nations visiting the seaside city.

"Puerto Vallarta is pleased to welcome so many prominent leaders to its shores," said Guillermo Ohem, General Director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. "Our city is well-prepared to host an event of this magnitude, and we offer the infrastructure necessary to ensure its success."

An 'extreme makeover' has occurred in Puerto Vallarta; the historic downtown has just completed a six-year urban renewal program along the waterfront. Continued improvements include a second tunnel on the Libramiento slated for completion in 2012; the construction of the third bridge over the Ameca River, which connects Vallarta to Banderas Bay; the new Los Muertos pier, which is currently in process; and an upgrade of Highway 200 to make Puerto Vallarta more easily accessible is also in the works.

The recently expanded and renovated Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) offers excellent connectivity on commercial carriers from Guadalajara, Monterrey, Toluca, Mexico City and major US airports. Charter flights arrive daily from Canada, the US and Europe, as well as from South America.

The city's new International Convention Center was recently noted as meeting the highest requirements of the World Tourism Organization to hold international meetings in accordance with the guidelines set by the United Nations conventions system. The success of the convention center is a reflection of Puerto Vallarta’s tourism infrastructure in general; high-quality hotels, professional golf courses, international restaurants, full-service marinas and outdoor activity areas, all backed by a high level of service.

Nearly 50% of Vallarta's workforce is employed in tourist related industries: hotels, restaurants, personal services, and transportation. The municipality does however continue to have strong agricultural, industrial and commercial sectors.

While the U.S. economy has created a downturn in overall tourism business, the other markets, including Canada and Europe, are still quite strong. The city’s population has grown steadily, showing a growth of 3% from 2000 to 2012, according to the Cuaderno Estadístico Municipal, making it the second-largest city in the state of Jalisco.

Puerto Vallarta garners ongoing acclaim for its varied attractions to travelers. It is a favorite destination for romance, proven by the thousands of weddings performed in the destination each year, and the recent awarding of 'Most Romantic Place in Mexico 2012' as well as 'Favorite Beach Destination 2012' by users of the About.com website.

In 2011, Puerto Vallarta won the title of 'Friendliest City in the World,' as chosen by readers of the prestigious magazine Condé Nast Traveler. In 2010, Puerto Vallarta was named 'Best Place to Retire in the World' by AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) magazine. That same year, the city was named 'Best Holiday Destination in Mexico' by USNews.com.

In short, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a booming resort destination that combines the best of Mexico’s past, present and future, which is why it was the perfect host city for the 2012 World Economic Forum on Latin America, and a great place for world leaders to gather and discuss the region's role in today's world.