Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The number of upper-income North American tourists arriving in Puerto Vallarta this Summer via the Aerotron private jet facilities near the city's international airport is up 17% over last year, according to Aerotron Owner/Director Captain Enrique Tron Berengue. The number of national visitors using the facility has increased by 24%, according to the latest figures.

"This is a strong indication that luxury tourism is recovering in the Banderas Bay region. This segment is in a sustained phase of growth, not at the pace that is desired but in a continuous fashion that leads us to believe that Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit remain a preferred vacation destination for affluent visitors," said Tron.

According to the president of the Banderas Bay Business Association, luxury travelers who visit Vallarta-Nayarit are realizing that the region is not only safe, but safer than many other popular business and leisure destinations, like Los Angeles, for example.

Lodging and Attractions

These tourists are attracted by the area's natural beauty, wide choice of activities and 8 world-class golf courses, as well as by the hotels and resorts that offer safety and discretion together with exceptional surroundings and services - such as the resort properties found in Punta Mita.

Tron said that for private aviation, the recent year (Summer 2012 to date) has been much better than previous years, when the number of upper-income visitors was dwindling. Now there is a clear trend towards the return of private flights, which directly impacts luxury hotel and resort occupancy and a select group of service providers.

Regarding the joint promotion of Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit, the businessman said that it is a great idea to promote the two destinations as one, so that visitors can enjoy all of the attractions in Puerto Vallarta as well as the beaches of Riviera Nayarit.

Consumer Habits

Many of the affluent visitors who come into the Aerotron facilities are headed toward one of the region's five star hotels, such as the Four Seasons or St. Regis Punta Mita resorts, although there are those who own private property, houses or condominiums in the Banderas Bay area.

Their habits include hours of playin golf on one of the 6 PGA courses in Riviera Nayarit; lunch or dinner in a restaurant and shopping at boutiques or jewelry stores in Puerto Vallarta; boat charters for snorkeling or fishing trips; and if they have children or teenagers, surf or paddle classes in Sayulita or one of the many other adventure excursions around the bay.

He added that what is important is that the promotion of this region continues in the United States and Canada, because it is a great way to ensure that Vallarta-Nayarit maintains its presence in the minds of consumers. At the same time, it is crucial that the highest level of tourism services is maintained, because the luxury tourism segment is accustomed to receiving the highest standards of quality, and that is something that results in greater economic benefit.