Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – As the end of the year approaches, Puerto Vallarta’s hospitality sector is bracing for a significant increase in tourist arrivals, with hotel occupancy rates expected to reach full capacity. This optimistic forecast has rippled through the local economy, with the restaurant industry preparing for a potential surge in patronage, potentially exceeding 90 percent occupancy.
Jorge Luis Carbajal Díaz, the president of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (Canirac) in Puerto Vallarta, has attributed this anticipated boom to the unfortunate aftermath of Hurricane Otis, which has left the popular tourist destination of Acapulco in ruins. As a result, holidaymakers are expected to divert their travel plans to alternative vacation spots, with Puerto Vallarta emerging as a favored choice.
“Acapulco’s loss is Puerto Vallarta’s gain, in a manner of speaking,” stated Carbajal Díaz. “While it’s tragic what’s happened to our fellow port city, it’s likely that travelers will now turn to Puerto Vallarta as a substitute for their end-of-year celebrations.”
With only six weeks remaining until the year-end festivities, optimism is high in Puerto Vallarta. “We always have high expectations for our city during the holiday season, and we are hopeful this year will be no different,” Carbajal Díaz added.
Restaurant demand in Puerto Vallarta is closely linked to hotel occupancy, which traditionally ranges from 90 to 95 percent during the peak season, often reaching full capacity. “Should the hotels maintain such high occupancy rates, we anticipate our restaurants will operate at 80 to 90 percent occupancy consistently, which is excellent for our industry,” Carbajal Díaz explained.
The unfortunate circumstances in Acapulco have inadvertently positioned Puerto Vallarta to benefit from increased tourism. “It’s a bittersweet situation where the misfortune of one community may contribute to the prosperity of another. Since one of the nation’s main ports is not operational, holiday-goers will inevitably seek other locales for their celebrations,” said Carbajal Díaz.
Puerto Vallarta now stands as a beacon for those who had originally planned to visit Acapulco, offering an alternative that boasts its own unique charms and attractions. “For those who had considered Acapulco for their vacation, they must now explore other destinations. Among the domestic options, Puerto Vallarta is a prime candidate. We believe that many will choose our city as their new holiday destination,” Carbajal Díaz concluded with confidence.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - As the end of the year approaches, Puerto Vallarta's hospitality sector is bracing for a significant increase in tourist arrivals . . .
