Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco — Puerto Vallarta’s international airport has experienced a significant surge in air passenger traffic during the first half of 2024. According to the Jalisco Tourism Secretariat, the airport welcomed one million 828 thousand passengers between January and June, marking a substantial 34.1 percent increase compared to the same period in 2019, which saw one million 362 thousand travelers.
The impressive growth in passenger numbers is attributed to a robust tourism promotion strategy and effective collaboration with key stakeholders, including airlines, tour operators, and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). Vanessa Pérez Lamas, head of the Jalisco Tourism Secretariat, highlighted the importance of these partnerships in achieving such remarkable results.
“Thanks to a solid tourism promotion strategy and the work with our strategic allies, such as airlines, tour operators, and OTAs, we have seen an increase of 18.6 percent in the number of air passengers compared to 2019, which is still a very relevant year to make the comparison, the pre-pandemic year,” said Pérez Lamas. “We have interestingly improved our position in terms of connectivity mainly with our two most relevant markets, which are the United States and Canada.”
The data, sourced from the Pacific Port Group (GAP), which operates the Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and other airports in Mexico, underscores the growing appeal of Puerto Vallarta as a premier travel destination. The increase in passenger traffic reflects not only the effectiveness of tourism initiatives but also the rising demand for travel to this picturesque coastal city known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history.
In a bid to further enhance connectivity and cater to the growing number of travelers, Puerto Vallarta Airport is set to introduce four new flight routes starting in early 2025. These new routes will connect Puerto Vallarta to New York, Sacramento, Kansas City, and Saint Louis, Missouri. The New York route will commence operations on January 8, 2025, followed by Sacramento on January 11, 2025, and Kansas City and Saint Louis on January 18, 2025.
The addition of these new flights, with four weekly frequencies from New York and one from each of the other cities, is expected to bring an average of 1,200 additional seats to Puerto Vallarta each week until April. This expansion not only enhances the city’s accessibility but also promises to boost its tourism sector by attracting more visitors from these key markets.
The continued growth in air passenger traffic and the introduction of new flight routes signify a positive trend for Puerto Vallarta’s tourism industry. The city’s ability to draw increasing numbers of visitors highlights its enduring appeal and the effectiveness of its strategic efforts to promote tourism.
As Puerto Vallarta prepares to welcome even more travelers in the coming months, the local tourism industry remains committed to providing exceptional experiences and maintaining its status as a top destination for both domestic and international tourists. The collaboration between the Jalisco Tourism Secretariat, GAP, and various travel industry partners will undoubtedly play a crucial role in sustaining this upward trajectory and ensuring that Puerto Vallarta remains a beloved destination for years to come.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco — Puerto Vallarta's international airport has experienced a significant surge in air passenger traffic during the first half of 2024. According to the Jalisco Tourism Secretariat, the airport welcomed one million 828 thousand passengers between January and June, marking a substantial 34.1 percent increase compared to the same period in 2019, which saw one million 362 thousand travelers.
