Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Thomas Dale & Associates (TDA), the leading global investigative and security firm that was hired by Puerto Vallarta's Tourism Board last year to assess the municipality's security status, has published a follow up report on the city.

This time, the firm, which last year concluded that Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest tourist destinations for international and national tourists, has assessed specific aspects of the destination that may affect its visitors, including threat assessment, medical services, and traffic and law enforcement.

The assessment, which took place from February 19-25, 2012, focused primarily on potential and actual criminal vulnerability. The study found that Puerto Vallarta continues to be a popular vacation destination for international travelers as well as for Mexican nationals, and points out that the US State Department Warning issued earlier this year highlighted this.

It also applauds the city of Puerto Vallarta for having twice the national standard of policemen (2.0 per 1000 Pop.) required by Mexico’s Federal Government to qualify for federal subsidies, and for increased police patrols in surrounding areas.

Another program the study looked into was the city’s Taxi Safe notification system, in which one hundred fifty businesses in and outside the tourist zone have signed up to participate and assist tourists.

The renovations taking place in the destination’s Malecon in the Historic District were also mentioned in the assessment, as well as Ameri-Med, the new multi-story medical facility located in the marina, one of the most frequently visited areas of Puerto Vallarta.

TDA found that Puerto Vallarta continues to be one of the safest destinations for international visitors as well as for expatriates who have made the city their home. This finds seem to be in alignment with international travelers, as according to the Mexican Ministry of Tourism, SECTUR, hotel occupancy in the first 5 months of 2012 was up by 19% in Puerto Vallarta, placing it as one of Mexico's most popular vacation destinations.

At the beginning of this year, consumers also awarded numerous accolades to Puerto Vallarta, including recognition on About.com's Readers Choice Awards as "Most Romantic Mexican Destination" and "Favorite Mexican Beach," and Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards named Puerto Vallarta the "Number One Overall Destination in Mexico" as well as one of the "World's Leading Beach Destinations."