American Tourists Cautioned Against Forceful Timeshare Sales in Mexico

Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - With 120 timeshare developments in Puerto Vallarta, the US Embassy has issued a warning to American citizens about the aggressive tactics employed by some sales agents in their efforts to secure clients for timeshares.

The US government urges citizens to exercise caution when considering real estate purchases or timeshare investments, and to be mindful of forceful sales techniques. It recommends that individuals consult with a Mexican attorney before engaging in any real estate transactions to familiarize themselves with relevant laws and regulations.

Bernardo Cueto Riestra, Secretary of Tourism, noted that ongoing discussions are held with the US Embassy to address any arising concerns, in the hopes of maintaining the integrity of the sector. The Federal Consumer Attorney's Office (Profeco) is responsible for regulating and overseeing this industry.

Cueto Riestra stated that the State Tourism Registry is critical in fostering competitiveness and providing certainty in the face of such challenges. He added that Profeco plays a key role in ensuring service quality and mediating between associations and federal agencies, creating a sense of security for tourists.

Data from the Mexican Association of Tourism Developers (Amdetur) reveals that before the pandemic (2019), there were 647 timeshare developments in Mexico. Quintana Roo, particularly Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Playa del Carmen, had 220 of these developments, followed by Puerto Vallarta (120), Los Cabos (78), Mazatlan (39), Acapulco (33), and Ixtapa (22).