Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – In March 2019, Queer Destinations, IGLTA and the Mexican Government signed a letter of intent to promote LGBTQ+ tourism in the country. At FITUR 2020, an International Tourism Fair held in Spain January 22-26, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Miguel Torruco Marques, announced that the first part of the strategy is based on a certification program that has already started in Yucatan and Mexico City.
So far, hotel chains such as Hyatt, Meliá and Axel, as well as tour operators, travel agencies and transport companies, have expressed interest in being certified so that their staff adopts international standards in LGBTI travelers’ care in Mexico. Throughout 2020 there will be training companies within the tourism industry in over 20 Mexican destinations.
According to Oriol Pamies, founder of Queer Destinations, “Puerto Vallarta is included in the 20 destinations to be promoted in Mexico and more information about Puerto Vallarta will be released soon. The promotion of Mexico as a friendly destination is key, both for the economic development of the country and for the advancement toward a society full of diversity and tolerance. We are very excited to be part of the tourism plans announced by the Government of Mexico for the coming years.”
Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism recognized the importance and potential of the LGBT market for the development of tourism in the country over the coming years.
“Mexico’s diverse destinations present a wealth of opportunities for travelers, so we are pleased that the government is strengthening its commitment to helping LGBTQ+ travelers feel safe and welcome to explore its many charms,” said John Tanzella, IGLTA President/CEO. “We look forward to a successful partnership that grows and enhances tourism throughout this beautiful country.”
The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) will provide its proven experience in the development of this market in other countries and will make available best practices so that destinations & service providers will attract a greater number of tourists.
Sources: eturbonews.com • publimetro.com.mx
About the Author
A native of Seneca, South Carolina, Tim Wilson obtained a finance degree from Clemson University before spending 25 years in banking, real estate, finance and marketing. He retired to Puerto Vallarta in 2008 and founded GAYPV magazine two years later. As a former member of the North America Travel Journalists Association, Tim writes for national and international media outlets promoting Puerto Vallarta as Mexico’s premiere LGBT travel destination. Through his involvement as a founding member of Vallarta Pride, Tim served on the organization’s marketing steering committee for the first several years.