Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – Puerto Vallarta is a stunning beach destination in Mexico that attracts visitors from all over the world. With its crystal clear waters, golden sands, and stunning sunsets, it’s no wonder that many people dream of relaxing on one of its beautiful beaches.
However, the reality is that the excessive use of umbrellas on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta has become a growing concern for tourists and locals alike.
More and more, the beaches of Puerto Vallarta are becoming crowded with umbrellas. While some tourists bring their own, the vast majority are provided by local merchants who offer them for rent or as a bonus for those who consume food and drinks in their establishments. While these umbrellas offer some relief from the sun, they also detract from the natural beauty of the beaches.
Many people complain that the excessive use of umbrellas prevents the free passage of tourists, encourages the illegal sale of products, and negatively impacts the image of Puerto Vallarta as a tourist destination. While merchants claim to have permission from the authorities to rent and place these umbrellas on the beach, it is unclear what the position of the Puerto Vallarta City Council is on this issue.
Mexican legislation allows for the establishment of low-impact infrastructure on the beach, such as bowers, umbrellas, and stilt houses. However, the power to grant concessions, permits, and authorizations in the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) is exclusive to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), and coastal municipalities do not have powers in this regard.
Semarnat grants permits for the rental of umbrellas, chairs, and tables on the beach, but with certain restrictions. For example, merchants cannot reserve places on the beach or open the umbrellas before the clients rent them. While these restrictions are in place to ensure that the beaches remain accessible and beautiful, they are often ignored by merchants who prioritize profits over the well-being of the beach and its visitors.
While umbrellas provide some relief from the sun, their excessive use on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta has become a growing concern for tourists and locals alike.
