The Coconutz Puerto Vallarta 2024 tournament, a prominent event under the umbrella of the Gay Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA), will make its debut in Mexico, highlighting the organization’s expansive global community that encompasses over 20,000 members worldwide. This tournament represents a pivotal addition to the GLTA World Tour, connecting various continents such as Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America, enhancing its international footprint.
The competition is set to take place at Parota Park from March 14 to March 17, offering a variety of match formats including singles and doubles across different skill levels, from the most experienced, denoted as ‘Open’, to the less experienced, classified as ‘C’ level. The event promises free admission and is scheduled from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm from Thursday to Saturday, with the grand finals to be held at 10:00 am on Sunday.
Participants will compete for the top two positions across each category, aiming to win unique art trophies, which are specially designed by a well-known indigenous community in the area. The event will also feature a welcoming reception to provide detailed information to the participants and a closing ceremony hosted at the Grand Miramar hotel, which offers breathtaking views of Banderas Bay and an authentic Mexican cultural experience.
This inaugural edition is expected to attract approximately 130 players from a diverse array of nationalities, including but not limited to the United States, Canada, Australia, the Philippines, Germany, Armenia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, South Africa, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Malaysia, India, Peru, and Mexico.
Reflecting the principles of inclusivity and diversity, the tournament welcomes participants from the LGBTQ+ community as well as heterosexual competitors, offering a congenial, family-friendly environment. While the event is classified as non-professional, it boasts a range of participants who possess significant tennis skills, ensuring a highly competitive spirit among players. Additionally, the event will cater to attendees with various food and beverage options.
The director of the tournament, Rodrigo Velázquez Mendiolea, highlighted the anticipated economic uplift for Puerto Vallarta, forecasting increased local spending on flights, accommodations, dining, and transportation, benefiting both competitors and spectators.
By hosting the Coconutz Tournament, Puerto Vallarta is positioning itself as a leading venue for sporting events and LGBTQ+ celebrations, enhancing its appeal on both a national and international scale. This initiative is strongly supported by the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust, alongside state and municipal authorities, as they collectively aim to promote inclusive leisure activities for both locals and tourists.
