RIVIERA NAYARIT — Riviera Nayarit is reporting a 20% increase in visitors in June, compared to the same month in 2019, a sure sign that travel to Mexico’s youngest tourism destination is back in high demand.
“We are pleased with the positive and gradual tourism rebound Riviera Nayarit has experienced thus far,” said Marc Murphy, managing director for the Riviera Nayarit Visitors and Conventions Bureau (CVB). “The local government has been very careful to pace its complete reopening, adjusting restrictions during peak periods, which has shown to be the best route to ensure the wellbeing of everyone.”
Murphy went on to highlight many developments that are underway that will “continue luring curious travellers from around the world.” These include a US$5 billion hotel investment that included the fall 2020 debut of the 324-suite Conrad Punta de Mita and the 104-villa One & Only Mandarina, which will debut a new polo and equestrian club next year. Coming this month is the 363-room Dreams Bahia Mita Resort & Spa and the 278-room Secrets Bahia Mita Resort & Spa. Next year, Auberge Resorts Collection will open the ultra-luxe, 59-suite Susurros del Corazon in Punta de Mita, while a new Fairmont and Ritz Carlton Reserve are also in the pipeline for the Costa Canuva community.
Other impressive brands set to open in 2023 and beyond include: the 130-room Rosewood Mandarina; a 500-room Mariott; a 400-room Westin; a 500-key Autograph Collection property; and a 240-room Ritz Carlton Resort.
At Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, Grupo Vidanta is track to debut VidantaWorld, an immersive 830-acre entertainment destination comprising of three Dream Parks. Phase one is slated to open in 2022 with a fire village in the jungle featuring special attractions, rides, experiential dining and more. Later phases will include a water Dream Park, a new Cirque du Soleil zone at the Immersive Dream Park, and a nature and adventure Dream Park.
Perhaps one of the most anticipated new attractions coming to Riviera Nayarit is Marias Islands, located about 60 miles off the coast of San Blas. Comprising four islands, this pristine archipelago was mostly uninhabited except for the Maria Madre Island, which until 2019 housed only a prison. Since its closure, the facility has undergone extensive renovations to become an education centre that promotes biodiversity conservation. The Mexican government is currently working to update regulations that will allow for sustainable tourism activities on the islands. Excursions to the island, which take about three hours by boat from San Blas, are also being developed.
In preparation for the influx of visitors in the coming years, Nayarit’s main airport, Tepic International Airport, is being expanded. New features will include an extended runway, a new control tower as well as upgrades to equipment and furniture. In addition, two major highways are being developed: the first from Tepic to Compostela, and the second from Las Varas to Puerto Vallarta. Both highways are expected to reduce travel times from Costa Canuva all the way to Banderas Bay.
For more information on travel to Riviera Nayarit, go to www.rivieranayarit.com.
