Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – In a significant milestone for Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, the influence of LGBT+ tourism on the city’s economy soared to unprecedented heights in 2023. According to recent data released by Luis Antonio Villaseñor, the general director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust, the sector welcomed a record-breaking 2 million visitors, injecting a staggering 17 billion pesos into the local economy.
This remarkable figure accounted for a substantial 40 percent of the destination’s total tourism GDP, signaling the pivotal role of LGBT+ tourism in driving economic growth in Puerto Vallarta.
Villaseñor emphasized Puerto Vallarta’s status as the leading LGBT+ tourist destination in Mexico, attributing the longstanding bond between the segment and the city to a process of familiarity that began in the 1990s. He noted that certain areas, particularly the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta, witness an even higher proportion of economic activity stemming from LGBT+ tourism, with approximately 70 percent of revenue generated by established businesses originating from this segment.
“The significance of LGBT+ tourism extends beyond its economic contributions,” Villaseñor remarked. “It fosters social diversity, spurs creativity, and fuels innovation within the tourism industry.”
Highlighting the city’s commitment to embracing and celebrating diversity, Puerto Vallarta has been hosting the Vallarta Pride festival for the past 11 years. This year, the festival is slated to take place from May 20 to 26, with an estimated attendance of 25 thousand tourists, predominantly hailing from the United States and Canada.
According to statistics from the World Tourism Organization (WTO), the LGBT+ community constitutes 10 percent of global tourists, wielding considerable purchasing power. Their collective annual expenditure amounts to a staggering 165 billion dollars, making them one of the fastest-growing segments within the tourism industry worldwide.
Villaseñor underscored the collaborative efforts behind the success of Vallarta Pride, noting the pivotal role played by the Civil Association of Commerce in organizing the event. Moreover, he highlighted the invaluable support and sponsorship extended by the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust, a decentralized public organization under the auspices of the Government of the State of Jalisco, which has backed the festival for the past three years.
As Puerto Vallarta gears up to welcome throngs of visitors for Vallarta Pride, the city stands as a shining example of inclusivity, hospitality, and economic resilience, reaffirming its position as a premier destination for LGBT+ travelers worldwide.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - In a significant milestone for Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, the influence of LGBT+ tourism on the city's economy soared to unprecedented heights in 2023. According to recent data released by Luis Antonio Villaseñor, the general director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust, the sector welcomed a record-breaking 2 million visitors, injecting a staggering 17 billion pesos into the local economy.
