New York, NY, USA - Riviera Nayarit continues to be one of Mexico's fastest growing destinations. Located just one hour north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, this golden stretch of beach along Mexico's Pacific Coast has become a burgeoning playground for the super elite.

According to the Riviera Nayarit tourism board, 2013 saw 2.3 million visitors to the destination, spending more than $1.6 billion. From the U.S. travel to Riviera Nayarit is highest from California, with 31 percent of the US market. This is followed by Illinois at 11 percent, Texas at 9 percent, Colorado at 8 percent and Washington at 5 percent.

So far, January 2014 saw 140,000 people to Riviera Nayarit, which is an increase of about six percent compared to 2013.

Flights

Aeromexico has added new seasonal service between New York City and Puerto Vallarta (which is the same airport for Riviera Nayarit). Additionally, new air service on scheduled and charter flights will increase routes to Puerto Vallarta International Airport from Lansing, St. Louis, Rockford, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Denver, Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg. As a result, an estimated 105,000 new seats are expected to come online within the next year.

Delta Air Lines has increased service to four weekly flights between Atlanta and Puerto Vallarta, as of October 5, and four weekly services between Salt Lake City and Puerto Vallarta, starting October 1st.

Hotels

Already home to a slew of high-end hotels like Four Seasons, St. Regis, Villa La Estancia, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Imanta Resort, Riviera Nayarit is gaining momentum among the mass market segment as well, with brands such as Iberostar, which debuted its first Mexican Pacific Coast hotel in December.

Tau Resorts, a new development group, is planning on opening two resorts in Riviera Nayarit. The first will open this year. Tau Resorts Nahui will have 172 rooms as part of a lifestyle community. Amenities will include a village, Beach Club, golf course, hiking trails and oceanfront water sports center.

Delta Vacations, which has expanded service aboard Delta Air Lines from Minneapolis/St. Paul, Atlanta and Salt Lake City to Los Cabos; and from Atlanta and Salt Lake City to Puerto Vallarta, is also offering packages at more than 12 hotels in Riviera Nayarit.