Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - During last weekend's visit with Mayor Arturo Dávalos Peña, the Chinese Ambassador in Mexico, Qiu Xiaoqi, said that Puerto Vallarta and the greater Banderas Bay region not only have the potential to attract a million Chinese tourists annually, but also tourism sector investments from his country.

After the traditional exchanging of gifts, the diplomat of the People's Republic of China expressed his positive impression of Puerto Vallarta and his respect for Dávalos Peña's proficient government of the city, noting that he has visited what he called "one of the most important tourist destinations in the country," 4-5 times over the last two years.

While touring Puerto Vallarta, Qiu Xiaoqi told the municipal president (in excellent Spanish) that relations between China and Mexico are in good shape, pointing out that the political, economic, commercial and cultural exchange between the two countries has grown over the last few years.

"I'm thinking about how we can further promote Chinese tourism to Mexico. Annually 120 million Chinese people travel to different parts of the world. Unfortunately last year only about one hundred thousand came to Mexico... very few. Mexico really has great tourism potential. That is why we are currently working with the government of our country to increase the flow," the ambassador said.

"Many destinations in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta, offer great cultural experiences and natural beauty. The combination of these factors could attract more Chinese," he said, noting that he is already working with the Sectur to bring more flights that will link the capitals of the two nations together at the beginning of next year.

Qiu Xiaoqi's brief tour also included a visit to the neighboring state of Nayarit.

"I am convinced that the Banderas Bay region is going to be a good tourism destination for the people of China... great facilities, beaches, mountains, world-class gastronomy and, above all, its people, its hospitality. All of this, plus the flexibility of entry procedures, could considerably increase the number of tourists from my country. That's why I came here... to exchange ideas with you... I think we could bring at least one million Chinese tourists to Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit each year," he added optimistically.

Mayor Dávalos talked about the tourist vocation of this growing municipality, highlighting the fact that Puerto Vallarta is known as 'Mexico's Most Mexican Port.' "There is no other destination that meets its characteristics, its beauty and infrastructure, and the priority we give to providing exceptional public services. PV is considered the second safest city in the Republic and we will spare no effort to keep it that way," he said.

The Chinese diplomat agreed that security is certainly a determining factor when choosing a tourism destination and after visiting the destination on several occasions he anticipated that Chinese tourists will soon "fill the hotels here."

"We are very pleased to know that you are working to bring a million Chinese tourists to the Banderas Bay region. We will have to build more hotel rooms, but we will welcome your people with open arms, with warm hugs, and we will serve them with the utmost respect in a destination that offers a quality vacation experience," Arturo Dávalos responded.

Qiu Xiaoqi pointed out that China is Mexico's second largest commercial partner and is currently working to diversify investment, adding that Puerto Vallarta could very well be the pole that attracts investment in the development of tourism. "You could build more hotels, improve roads, highways, transportation... I think many Chinese businessmen will come, and I hope you welcome them because together we can do many things."

The mayor reiterated his government's openness to favorable foreign investment. "We are convinced that better services can only boost our economy," he said. Puerto Vallarta's municipal tourism director, Ramón González Lomelí, who was present at the meeting, expressed his agreement with the municipal president statement.

Press release translated and edited by Lorena Sonrisas for BanderasNews.com.