ACAPULCO — Following the announcement that 2019 Tianguis Turístico will take place in Acapulco, the destination has double-downed on its commitment to growth and expansion, with a long list of developments for the year ahead.

The announcement, which was made at the 43rd edition of Tianguis Turístico in Mazatlán, came hot on the heels of last week’s opening of the newly expanded General Juan N. Alvarez International Airport. Among the most noticeable aspects of the expansion is its vast size: it’s now 204,514 square feet in area, an increase of 75,347 square feet over the old airport. It also now boasts an eco-conscious design, an expanded array of restaurants, cafes and artisan shops, as well as a selection of stores selling liquors, wines and other alcoholic beverages.

“The expansion of Acapulco’s International Airport is one of several efforts we are focusing on to insignificantly improve the Acapulco experience for all visitors with the help of major private and public investments,” said Ernesto Rodriguez Escalona, Secretary of Tourism of the State of Guerrero. “The 44th edition of Tianguis in Acapulco next year will give us the opportunity to show an elevated infrastructure and world-class tourist offering to a global audience. Travellers can expect to see new attractions including an extreme space adventure park, hotel and airport renovations, and tennis stadium.”

Other new developments announced at Tianguis include:

• The US$8 million renovation of the Traditional zone consisting of a refresh to the historic town square, La Qebrada, La Roqueta and the Museum of the 7 Regions. Other upgrades include new lighting and video mapping of San Diego Fort, and updates to the boarding and disembarkation areas of Caleta and Caletilla beaches.
• Grupo Autofin’s ‘Master Plan’ is continuing with major enhancements of the iconic Pierre Mundo Imperial and Princess Mundo Imperial, as well as the following new developments: Spa Tlalli, Turtle Dunes Golf Clubhouse, Gourmet Beach, Hotel Prince by Mundo Imperial, Hotel Marqués Boutique, Residences and Luxury Condominiums, Hotel Boutique Only You, Diamante Retirement Homes, Princess Medical Center, Premium Shopping Center, an eco-amusement park called Aventura Guerrero, a new tennis stadium, security towers, and Princess University. These projects are expected to be completed by 2022.
• Gran Plaza Hotel Acapulco began a $8.5 million renovation, set for completion by 2019. Updates include the remodelling of event spaces, guestrooms and public areas, plus the modernization of elevations and technology.

Acapulco’s improved infrastructure and record-breaking visitors this past year is a testament to Acapulco’s commitment to growth. During this year’s Holy Week and Easter Weekend from March 25 – April 1, Acapulco welcomed 487,573 tourists and recorded 74.1% hotel occupancy rates.