Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The director of the Tourism Trust, Agustin Alvarez Valdivia, says that the expansion of Puerto Vallarta's cruise ship port and the remodeling of the international airport are a sign of confidence by some very prominent entrepreneurs that tourism is strong and will continue to grow.

Improvements to the city's basic infrastructure services, especially at Puerto Vallarta's cruise ship port and international airport are necessary, he said, as they are the destination's gateways for thousands of visitors.

He cited the eight million dollar that are being invested to improve the airport's customs and immigration areas, saying that these renovation are intended to make foreign visitors' first experience in the destination smoother and easier.

He explained that the airport renovations began at the end of the high season and are expected to be completed before the next winter vacation period begins.

"Fortunately, the corresponding authorities are prepared to allocate a larger number of migration officers to the airport, because bottlenecks have been occurring in this area as a result of increased airline seats and the hours that visitors arrive. This is a problem we hope to solve this year," he said.

Agustin Alvarez pointed out that more and more visitors are coming to this destination, mentioning that from January to March this year, domestic passenger traffic at the airport increased by 20 percent and the number of international passenger arrivals increased by 10 percent.

The fact that hotel occupancy records show that 82.6% of local rooms were booked in the first quarter of 2016; and that summer vacation occupancy is estimated to rise above 80%, with some weekends up to 100%, is another indicator that Puerto Vallarta tourism is alive and well, the official added.

The director said that the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is working to keep the destination's tourism momentum going, which is why it continues with the exploration of new air routes.

"We are still looking for a route that connects us to South America. It has been a little difficult, but we remain committed to the South American market to avoid keeping 'all of our eggs in one basket,' since the US and Canada is our natural market," he said.

Alvarez added that a very promising summer is on the horizon for Puerto Vallarta due to FIDETUR's constant promotion of our city in domestic markets such as El Bajio, North, Mexico City and its metropolitan area, among other cities in Mexico.

He also highlighted other public and private projects in the area, mentioning the new Cirque du Soleil theme park coming to Nuevo Vallarta, the new La Isla shopping center, a new maritime terminal that includes an aquarium, as well as the short road to Guadalajara that's scheduled to be completed within a couple of years that will significantly reduce travel time from the capital of Jalisco to this destination.