Puerto Vallarta has enjoyed a tourism bonanza over the past two years, says Regional Tourism Director Ludwig Estrada, the trend continuing upward and 4,000,000 tourists expected here this year. In comparing the first half of 2006 to the same period in 2005, 161,783 Mexican tourists visited Vallarta compared to 136,832, an increase of 18.23%. When it comes to international tourists, 666,099 arrived during that period this year, compared to 594,339 last year, primarily from the USA and Canada. And that means a 12.07% increase.

During the first half of 2006, 324 more national flights arrived in PV than the year before, as did 131 more international flights. When it comes to big cruiseliners, during this month alone Vallarta will host 31. Some 236 passenger ships are scheduled to arrive during 2006 compared to last year's 217 arrivals. Ongoing improvements to and expansion of the maritime terminal mean it can host up to four liners at once — which is exactly what is going to happen on two occasions this year! It's an impressive sight indeed to see one of these floating cities, never mind two or more! As the numbers clearly show, Vallarta is a hot destination right now.