Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – The state of Jalisco is celebrating a remarkable surge in tourism, thanks to strategic promotional efforts by the Jalisco Tourism Secretariat (Secturjal). The sector has contributed significantly to the state’s economy, accounting for 8% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) so far this year.
The state has seen a substantial increase in visitor numbers, welcoming 22.1 million tourists from January to August, a 14.2% rise compared to the same period in 2019. This influx generated a significant economic impact of 50.277 billion pesos.
Air travel to Jalisco has also experienced a boost, with 8 million passengers arriving through Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta airports in the first 8 months of 2024. Additionally, Puerto Vallarta’s cruise tourism has flourished, with 327,957 passengers disembarking from 104 international cruise ships.
Jalisco has secured several new international flight routes, including direct connections from Vancouver, Toronto, Prague, and San José, Costa Rica, to enhance connectivity.
This expansion, along with a significant increase in international air connections to both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta during the winter season, is expected to boost tourism from North and Central America, particularly the United States.
In commemoration of World Tourism Day, which was celebrated on September 27, Jalisco’s Tourism Ministry emphasized its commitment to sustainable tourism development. Through initiatives like the Jalisco Magical Towns Model, the Jalisco Coast Maritime Connectivity Model, and the Jalisco Tourism Academy, the state aims to create inclusive and equitable tourist destinations that contribute to both economic growth and community well-being.