Riviera Nayarit, Mexico – In 2024, the State of Nayarit celebrates a remarkable year with a tourism surge and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. With 34.3 million tourists visiting Mexico in the first five months of the year, Nayarit stood out, especially in Nuevo Nayarit, which boasted an impressive 81.8% hotel occupancy rate, ranking among the top three in the country.
Known for its stunning beaches and popular spots like Bucerías, Punta Mita, and Sayulita, Nuevo Nayarit continues to draw visitors worldwide. Despite this growth, Nayarit remains dedicated to preserving its natural beauty and promoting sustainable tourism.
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort partners with the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas to ensure responsible practices and conservation of Islas Marietas. Similarly, W Punta de Mita supports the local economy by sourcing goods from local suppliers and engaging in marine protection through beach clean-ups and plastic elimination campaigns.
Nayarit’s beaches are recognized among the cleanest in Mexico, with Nuevo Nayarit’s beach earning the prestigious Blue Flag certification and ranking fourth among the country’s top ten cleanest beaches. Other Blue Flag recipients include Lo de Marcos beach and the Riviera Nayarit Marina and Marina Fonatur in San Blas.
Infrastructure investment in Nayarit is also on the rise. The Tepic-Riviera Nayarit International Airport is undergoing expansion to increase capacity and facilitate international flights by early 2025. Once completed, the airport is expected to significantly enhance connectivity to Nayarit, with plans to serve up to four million passengers annually.
The Tepic-Compostela highway, a 26-kilometer route that will connect the capital city with some of the state’s most popular tourist destinations – including San Blas, Guayabitos, Sayulita, San Pancho and Punta Mita – is expected to be completed by mid-September. Beyond the convenience for travelers, this highway promises a boom for the local economy.
The hotel sector in Nayarit is experiencing rapid growth, with at least ten new hotels set to open by 2026. Major investors like AMResorts, Grupo Vidanta, and Marriott International are leading this expansion. Family-friendly hotels such as Iberostar Grand and the Cirque du Soleil theme park will boost Nayarit’s appeal as a premier destination. New properties from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Westin, and Ritz-Carlton are also part of the development plan.
This increase in hotel bookings to the Riviera Nayarit is also seen in an increase in arrivals to the three airports that serve the state, including the Puerto Vallarta International Airport; which has surged with over 3.7 million arrivals by air in the first half of 2024. This marks a 2.6 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Nayarit’s progress in 2024 underscores its status as a leading destination that harmonizes tourism growth with sustainable practices, ensuring that its natural treasures and vibrant culture continue to thrive for future generations.