Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around the Republic, it can be difficult to keep up with it all. Here's a look at some of this week's Puerto Vallarta news headlines, some breaking Mexico news stories, and a few upcoming local events you won't want to miss.

Mexico's Tourism Revenues Surge 18.1%

Mexico's revenues from international tourism totaled $11.13 billion in the January-August period, up 18.1 percent from the same period in 2013, the Tourism Secretariat said. Foreign tourists generated revenues of $9.42 billion during the first eight months of last year, the secretariat said. International tourist arrivals totaled 19.3 million in the January-August 2014 period, up 19 percent. Air arrivals rose 10.3% to 9.3 million during the first 8 months of this year, the secretariat said, citing Bank of Mexico figures.

Tourism Department Resumes Free El Centro Tours

On October 1, the Municipal Department of Tourism resumed its free walking tours of Historic Downtown Puerto Vallarta. These free two-hour sightseeing tours are led by experienced guides who will show you some of the city's key attractions; the Malecón, the lighthouse, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Rio Cuale Island, the Romantic Zone and Los Muertos Pier, etc., while explaining the colorful history, architecture, ecology, and daily activities of local neighborhoods in the downtown area. The Federal Guides Association is a partner in the city's initiative, which aims to draw tourists from their hotels into the center of the city, known as 'El Centro.' These free tours take place every Tuesday and Wednesday on two schedules. The first tour leaves at 9:00 am and the second at 12:00 pm. For the 2014-2015 season they are also offering Saturday tours which depart at 9:00 am. The meeting place for all tours is at the offices of the Municipal Tourism Administration in the main plaza directly across from the Church of Guadalupe in downtown Puerto Vallarta. For more information, call (322) 222-0923.

Cruise Lines Say 'Yes' to Puerto Vallarta

According to Maritime Terminal Director, Miguel Angel García Beltrán, by year's end a total of 116 cruise ships will have visited our port, an increase of 43% over 2013 when 81 cruises visited our shores. This represents around 266,800 passengers and an estimated economic impact of $25.6 million dollars. The four cruise lines that most often visit Puerto Vallarta are Norwegian, Princess, Carnival and Holland America, in that order. For the remainder of the year, Puerto Vallarta will see at least two, and frequently three, cruise ships docked at the Maritime Terminal at regular intervals. Three of these cruise ships will dock overnight. Click HERE for a complete list of cruise ship scheduled to arrive in Puerto Vallarta in 2014, listed by month. García Beltrán is projecting that 2015 will be even better. 142 cruise ship arrivals have already been scheduled and confirmed for next year, increasing Puerto Vallarta port calls by 22% when compared to 2014. This includes the new year-round weekly port calls by Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival represents 34% of arrivals; Princess 20%; Norwegian 19% and Holland America 16%.

Melia Vacation Club Puerto Vallarta Focusing on Families

Miami-based Club Melia by Melia Hotels International announces the rebranding and new names of Melia Vacation Club Puerto Vallarta and Melia Vacation Club Cozumel, two of the company's popular Mexican resorts formerly known as Melia Puerto Vallarta and Melia Cozumel. "The new names and brand reflect the resorts' new family-focused facilities, services and amenities, including high-level room and guest area enhancements," explained Onofre Servera, executive vice president for Club Melia. Melia Vacation Club Puerto Vallarta has completed its "Flintstones Land™ Puerto Vallarta" Activities and Services Program, featuring Baby Rock Club for infants through age 4, the Bamm Bamm Club for children ages 5 to 12, the Cool Club for indoor video game fun, the Kid's "Cool Time" night-time entertainment program, and other fun activities such as an 18-hole mini golf course and a bungee trampoline area. There's even a Teen Leader program for kids 12 to 15, featuring a climbing wall, batting cage, kayak tours, beach games and pool games. Adults have fun in Flintstones Land Puerto Vallarta, too. The endless array of adult activities includes a shooting range, archery, lacrosse, tennis, ping-pong, beach volleyball, water polo, water aerobics, yoga, ocean kayaking, karaoke, night-time casino games, dancing and more.

Upcoming Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
Click on titles for more information

• 1st Annual Guayabitos Bike Fest October 17-19

• Hard Rock Vallarta Hosts 5K Run for Breast Cancer

• Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica, October 22-25