Nuevo Vallarta - Known as Mexico's Pacific Treasure, the Riviera Nayarit is continuing its upward trend toward becoming one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.

North American travelers are increasingly choosing to visit the area, known for its eclectic charm and authentic appeal, with the destination seeing a 5 percent increase in visitors during the first half of 2019, compared to the same period last year.

From January to June 2019, Riviera Nayarit welcomed 244,692 American tourists and 191,402 Canadians, representing an increase of 4.4 and 5.8 percent respectively. Thus far, tourism has contributed over US$785 million in revenue for the destination, of which US$649 million came from international tourists.

Riviera Nayarit's southern region of Bahía de Banderas maintained an average hotel occupancy rate of 82.4 percent with an average low density occupation rate of 2.44 guests per room. Further solidifying the region's luxury appeal, average occupancy rates at four- and five-star properties also saw an increase.

"We had one of our strongest years to date in 2018 and are proud to see our numbers for the first half of this year are on pace to outperform that success," said Marc Murphy, managing director of Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We are seeing an increase in not only the average occupancy rates at our properties, but also in the rates at which those rooms are being sold, which signifies a positive impact on the local economy as we attract higher spending travelers."

Beyond the upscale accommodations, Riviera Nayarit offers luxury travelers an additional factor that has supported the destination's growth - this region of Mexico ranks among the safest in the country.

From January to June 2019, Riviera Nayarit reported some of the lowest crime rates in Mexico, according to data collected by the Secretario Ejecutivo del Sistema de Seguridad Publica (Executive Secretariat of the Public Security System.)

Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and 192-miles of pristine pacific coastline the Riviera Nayarit boasts 23 beach towns, each with its own unique personality.

Some of the more well-known destinations include family-friendly Nuevo Vallarta and Flamingos, celebrity and golf haven Punta de Mita, surf mecca Sayulita, boho-chic San Pancho, fishing village La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and bird-watching paradise San Blas.

Adding to its appeal, Riviera Nayarit offers easy connections to most major U.S. and Canadian cities through Puerto Vallarta's Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, making it easy for North American travelers to visit year-round.