Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico - Mexico's Pacific Treasure and newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, proudly announces a successful 2018 with average occupancy rates of 75% throughout the year and growth among relevant segments. In 2018, tourism remained a driving force behind the destination's economy, representing more than $1.6 billion USD in revenue.

Riviera Nayarit maintained strong hotel occupancy throughout the year, peaking at 91 percent in February, the destination's high season. At 2.38 percent, average per room density also remained low in 2018, a testament to the market's luxury appeal with families of four likely booking two separate rooms when visiting the destination.

Four- and five-star properties performed particularly well, with occupancy averaging approximately 65 percent in 2018, and a year over year increase in luxury inventory of nearly 5 percent; furthermore, luxury property rates grew by more than 20 percent in 2018 due to market demands.

The markets that generated the most demand for Riviera Nayarit were the United States, Canada and the domestic Mexico market.

The fastest growing markets in 2018 included the United Kingdom, Colombia, Argentina, Spain and Brazil.

"2018 marked a stellar year in Riviera Nayarit's 12-year history. The destination's success and rapid growth can be attributed to a variety of factors including our versatile hospitality landscape, strong connectivity from most major cities throughout the world and authentic appeal to multiple segments including luxury seekers, nature enthusiasts and groups of all sizes and occasions," said Marc Murphy, managing director of Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau. "As we look to the future, we are keen on maintaining our momentum and further developing Riviera Nayarit as a world-class tourism destination. 2019 is certain to be a banner year for Mexico's Pacific Treasure with new properties, attractions and events."

The destination expects to continue evolving and capturing the attention of discerning travelers from around the world in 2019 and beyond with major developments including:

2019:
In 2019, Riviera Nayarit will expand its hospitality inventory with the addition of 140 suites from Grand Sirenis Matlali, expected to complete the second stage of the luxury beachfront development; Marival Resorts will open its third property, Marival Armony Punta de Mita, featuring more than 260 guest rooms; a 300-room Iberostar property in Litibu; the completion of Conrad Hotels & Resorts' renovation and reflagging of the former La Tranquila Resort, to be dubbed 'Conrad Playa Mita,' is also expected to launch this year; finally Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, currently in the midst of a four-year, $30 million enhancement project is scheduled for completion in 2019. The Four Seasons Punta Mita is also eager to unveil a new on-property dining destination, Dos Catrinas, offering seating for nearly 300 guests and featuring modern décor to compliment an authentic, culturally-rich menu.

2020:
Looking even further ahead in Riviera Nayarit's bright future, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will debut Rosewood Mandarina featuring 130 guest rooms, suites, villas and common areas featuring décor and design inspired by local indigenous Huichol and Cora culture. In 2020, One & Only Mandarina will house one of the world's first One & Only residence collections, One & Only Mandarina Private Homes. In addition to welcoming the world-class Mandarina Polo and Equestrian next year, Riviera Nayarit will also set the stage for unforgettable vacation experiences thanks to AMResorts' Dreams Punta de Mita Resort & Spa and Secrets Punta de Mita Resort & Spa, and the ultra-luxurious Auberge Resorts Collection property, Susurros del Corazon in 2020.

2021 and beyond:
The second half of 2021 will feature the debut of Costa Canuva CIP, a nearly two-billion-dollar luxury development project that will be home to 5 new resorts, adding more than 7,000 rooms to the destination including the first Fairmont property in the region. Offering more than four miles of pristine beaches, the coastal compound will offer 2500 waterfront residential units and a champion golf course designed by Lorena Ochoa and Greg Norman.

Scheduled to open in 2022, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Riviera Nayarit will feature 110 deluxe rooms, suites and private villas with ocean views. The exclusive property will be situated in El Santuario, within the master development of Costa Canuva, which will be surrounded by nature including a private beach, captivating cliff views, three restaurants, a bar, group and event spaces, two swimming pools, a spa, shops and more.

While an official date is not yet confirmed, visitors of all ages will delight when Grupo Vidanta opens the first Cirque du Soleil theme park in Mexico, an immersive natural and water park featuring capacity for up to 5,000.