The federal government of Mexico has earmarked $76 billion pesos ($6 billion USD) to upgrade the country’s ports used for commercial purposes, primarily cruise ships in tourism and exports, including upgrades to the marina terminal of Puerto Vallarta.
Currently the Puerto Vallarta marina terminal can accommodate two docked cruise ships while others remain anchored. The new plans to begin in 2015 with the federal investment will include improvements to current docking and anchoring options. While the plans have not been finalized, the goal would be to include improvements to the current docking options to encourage more overnight stays by cruise ships visiting Puerto Vallarta. Overnight stays during the peak season of cruise travel prove to be difficult with the limited safe docking currently available.
The new development will also create a wider Malecón along the terminal with visitor information booths and shops to welcome cruise ship passengers.
This year cruise ships to Puerto Vallarta are expected to arrive each month, where in the past summer cruises to the area have been suspended due to a lack of traveler demand, that is changing.
Arrivals to Puerto Vallarta were up over 40% in 2014 compared to the 2013 season. In 2015 the port already has a confirmed schedule of over 140 cruise ship arrivals, an increase of nearly 30% over last year.
Construction at the marina terminal is vital to continue the growth of cruise ship tourism to Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas.
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