Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - While the 20th edition of Gala Vallarta was focused on strengthening trade relations between wholesale travel agencies and local hotels, it was the opening night party on the new Los Muertos Pier that has everyone talking.

The evening started out with lots of lively conversation, laughter, fellowship, and music, served up with innovative and exquisite hors d'oeuvre and excellent wines provided by 15 Banderas Bay area restaurants.

Suddenly the excitement of the moment became silent... it was the power of innocence and the sincerity of a child with a microphone in hand who silenced them, saying:

Photos by PromovisionPV

Hola, yo soy Puerto Vallarta
Soy alegre, dinámico y encantador
Soy tranquilo y muy seguro
Soy tradición pero también modernidad
Permíteme invitarte a mi casa
En ella descubrirás
La magia de mi pueblo
El encanto de mis montañas
Y la frescura de mis mares y ríos
Pero sobre todo la calidez y la calidad de mi gente

Yo soy Puerto Vallarta
Soy más de lo que te imaginas
Soy más que sol y playa
Soy romance, Arte y Cultura
Soy eso y muchas, muchas cosas más
Te agradezco los turistas que me mandas
Te prometo consentirlos
Y hacer que vivan la mejor de sus experiencias

Yo soy Puerto Vallarta
Soy lo mejor de mi país
Y te espero con los brazos abiertos

Marcelo was all gentleness and precision, giving everyone a sense of what was taking place there. Then, José Eduardo said exactly the same thing, but this time, translated into perfect English:

Hello, I am Puerto Vallarta
I am cheerful, dynamic and charming
I am calm and very safe

Photos by PromovisionPV

I am tradition but also modern
Let me invite you to my house
In it you will find
The magic of my people
The charm of my mountains
And the freshness of my seas and rivers
But above all the warmth and quality of my people

I am Puerto Vallarta
I'm more than what you imagine
I am more than sun and sand
I am romance, Art and Culture
I'm that and much, much more
I appreciate tourists that you send me
I promise to pamper
And make them live the best of their experiences

I am Puerto Vallarta
I'm the best in my country
And I await with open arms

Finally, Max took the microphone to relay the same message in French. The words and the presence of three 11 to 12 year-old Vallartenses gave meaning to all of the efforts made to get as many of the visiting operators, wholesalers, and travel agents to negotiate contracts with hoteliers and tourism service providers that will bring tourists to our destination in 2014.

The subliminal message of the welcome party was clear, short and concise. Here we are, all of us Vallarta, and we are the best tourist destination in Mexico... a place of grand tradition that simultaneously offers modern tourism infrastructure and world-class amenities... a paradise with natural beauty, the mountains and the sea, the beaches and the rivers...

The night did not disappoint; unusually perfect weather, neither cold nor hot, the sky dressed luxuriously in thousands of bright stars... but above all, presided over by three brave children who spoke with such sincerity. Then there were the many Vallartenses displaying their proprietary and fondness towards the destination. There was an aroma of friendship and commitment; to Vallarta as a destination first, then to each of us in the tourism sector.

In my opinion that's what made the difference in the night, all of Vallarta proudly pronouncing, "here we are dear foreign agents, this is who we are, this is what we offer... take our house to your house."

Photos by PromovisionPV

The simplicity of the night showed Vallarta's ability to receive and respond to the thousands of tourists who visit us, represented by those who organize travel, one detail after another, all with simplicity. But at the same time it spoke of our organizational capacity to respond, the knowledge of our profession, and especially saying that Vallarta is ready to take on big tasks and challenges. The unity, each individual's ability to work with others, really does wonders. That night we found it. Vallartenses working together to make "Yes, We Can!" a reality. How nice to know!

From the Beginning

At 7 pm the guests and hosts began arriving, lining up to register and to receive a very Mexican gift and, beyond that, a smile. They walked down Francisca Rodriguez street, which was luxuriously dressed for the occasion with pangas artfully decorated by the hands of local artists that looked amazing under spotlights of different colors. On both sides of the street, the sidewalks were lined with locals, tourists, foreigners, and Vallartenses cheering and applauding, which added even more color to the festive atmosphere.

To reach the scene of event, guests stepped onto the red carpet that the occasion warranted, and were greeted by the stunning new pier on Los Muertos Beach, as if they were already known, as if they were old friends. The majestic pier gave a clear message to everyone present, "Vallarta is changing."

Shortly thereafter, the children recited their message, and the evening progressed, slowly but surely, in a smooth and unhurried fashion.

Guests were treated to a wonderful array of Vallarta cuisine, tasty snacks ranging from the most traditional to the most exclusive, all delicious. The night was full of fascinating spectacles - circus acts, a pretty girl doing rhythmic dances within a sphere rolling on the beach, huge mysterious figures resembling sea animals, and acrobats - with no other aim than to amuse and entertain.

Photos by PromovisionPV

Ah! And fortunately the music was played at an appropriate decibel level. A smooth jazz accompanied the first part of the night, then rock, then tropical salsa, and finally, of course, Mariachi Jalisco (declared an intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO) ... the night continued with an upbeat rhythm and an incredible atmosphere.

The wholesalers and tour operators, smiled, talked, ate, drank and shared the happiness of the night... The purpose was being fulfilled: to show them a renewed Vallarta, united in a plan to make things better, one that proves that Vallarta is, and will continue to be, the best tourist destination in Mexico... as those who came to the Gala had already perceived.

The Ballet Xiutla, as always, graced the night, and a fireworks display sealed the spectacular sequence, taking attendees from more to better.

My respect and thanks to the senior officials, from those who represented the highest authorities of Mexico tourism and the state to the municipal presidents, whose presence enhanced the importance of the event but declined the opportunity to give speeches, asserting that the children were to be the ones to deliver the intended message. With that, the event took on a human quality, a respect for authority, that flowed throughout the course of the event... everything went just so.

The evening's end was a touch sentimental, with the distribution of luminescent white balloons tied with long, white ribbons. Each guest was encouraged to write their wishes on a card that was attached to their balloon before they were simultaneously released. Guests were delighted as the night sky was covered with balloons taking to the heights the heart of each individual and a collective feeling of encouragement and fellowship.

There, in the vastness of the night sky, the wishes joined together with the hopes that Puerto Vallarta will see a new dawn.