Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - As 2014 draws to a close, Puerto Vallarta is reporting one of its best years on record. It is attracting increasing numbers of visitors as the number of flights into the destination continues to rise. On the hotel front, Puerto Vallarta has welcomed a slate of new hotels over the last several years, and experienced a significant rise in occupancies this year over last year.

TravelPulse.com sat down with Miguel Andres Hernandez Arteaga, the director of the Puerto Vallarta Convention and Visitors Bureau, to discuss air & hotel developments, as well as details on what distinguishes PV from other destinations in Mexico.

TravelPulse (TP): How's business this year?

Miguel Andres Hernandez Arteaga (MA): During the first half of 2014, our hotel occupancies increased by 7.9 percent and we expect to close the year up 13.7 percent over 2013. On average, Puerto Vallarta hotel occupancies averaged 64.2 percent in the first nine months of the year, which represents an increase of 6 percent over the same period last year.

We also dramatically increased the number of airline seats from last year, thanks to our marketing efforts with the Mexico Tourism Board and several wholesalers and airlines from the U.S. and Canada. Now we're turning our efforts to Europe and Latin America to increase our visibility in those markets, which are already beginning to show positive results.

After 2008, Puerto Vallarta experienced some challenges, and we understand that that we are in a permanent competition with other great destinations around the world to attract the attention of prospective travelers. Therefore, we are working – along with our hotels, restaurants, tours companies, DMCs, airport and convention center – to reinforce our ranking as one of Mexico's top three travel destinations. Together with our tourism partners, we are stronger, and our ongoing marketing campaigns are showing fabulous results.

TP: What makes Puerto Vallarta unique from other Mexican destinations?

MA: Puerto Vallarta is a magical city steeped in history, with cobblestone streets and white stucco houses with red-tiled roofs. There are hundreds of things to do here on a daily basis. Also, Puerto Vallarta is the second most important gastronomic destination in the country, just after Mexico City. We believe, however, that our most important asset is our people, as evidenced in the fact that Puerto Vallarta has, over the past 30 years, been named one of the world's friendliest destinations – a fact that we're very proud of. Puerto Vallarta is also a fantastic destination for those who want to learn about Mexican traditions, art, culture and folklore while enjoying our magnificent beaches, exciting nightlife and lively festivals.

TP: What's new in terms of hotel and airline developments in Puerto Vallarta?

MA: There is always something new to talk about on the hotel front. Within the past four years a range of new hotels have opened, including the Garza Blanca Resort, AMResorts Now Amber and Secrets Vallarta Bay, the Hilton Puerto Vallarta and the Sunset Plaza Beach Resort. Before the end of the year, the Mousai Hotel and Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta will also debut.

The five-star Almar Resort, which will feature a restaurant operated by famed Mexico chef Thierry Blouet, is scheduled for completion in January.

On the airline front, Puerto Vallarta is sixth in Mexico in terms of air connectivity and number of flights, offering flights from more than 21 cities in U.S. and 19 in Canada, as well as 16 cities within Mexico. We are working with the airport, Jalisco tourism officials and the Mexican Tourism Board to increase these numbers and frequencies to also include new cities and hubs in Europe and Latin America.

TP: What are your main tourism markets?

MA: We attract significant numbers of travelers from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, Dallas, New York, Houston, Denver, Minneapolis, Seattle, Omaha, Kansas, Lansing, New Jersey, Phoenix and Portland. In Canada Puerto Vallarta's main tourism markets include Vancouver, Victoria, Ottawa, Montreal, Austin, Alberta, Edmonton, Prince George, Toronto, Calgary, Alberta and Winnipeg.

We are also attracting a healthy number of visitors from Bogota, Sao Paolo, Lima, Quito, Buenos Aires, as well as from London, Manchester, Paris and Frankfurt.

Puerto Vallarta attracts a wide range of travelers, including foodies and gourmands, families and those from the LGBT market. We are also a favorite destination for weddings and elopements, long weekend escapes and beach hideaway vacations. We are working on a daily basis to attract new markets and deliver an unforgettable experience for each one.

TP: How effective has the Vallarta Nayarit campaign been, and how's it progressing?

MA: The results have been fantastic, with both destinations seeing an increase in flights and hotel occupancies. There are a variety of marketing promotions underway with our tourism partners. Just to mention one, the Vallarta Nayarit Classic Rock Festival will take place Dec 11 to 14 with more than 20 of the most iconic rock bands and artists of the 60s, 70s and 80s. And there's more news to come!

TP: What advice would you give travel agents who would like to sell Puerto Vallarta?

MA: Puerto Vallarta is ready to receive their important clients, and we know how to make them feel special. In addition to myriad tours and activities, Puerto Vallarta features more than 300 sunny days per year, as well as innumerable great small towns and beaches and 22,500 hotel rooms.

Travel agents are one of our most important partners. As such, we ensure that there are always special packages and promotions at their disposal. And, in an effort to develop long-term relationships with agents, we offer them a range of fam opportunities. We want them to personally experience Puerto Vallarta, and all it offers their clients.