Puerto Vallarta is poised for a remarkable winter season, driven by an increase in air frequencies and rising interest among international and domestic travelers. With a 3% growth in flights from the U.S. and Canada compared to 2023, the destination is set to welcome even more visitors.
Starting January, Alaska Airlines will boost connectivity with new weekly flights from New York, Sacramento, Kansas City, and St. Louis, adding 1,200 seats weekly. Seasonal routes from Portland and Las Vegas will also resume. Southwest Airlines plans to launch a Saturday flight from Sacramento in March, alongside its robust 123 operations in December, up from 100 last year. United Airlines will reinstate its daily service from Newark, further enhancing access.
Canadian carriers are also stepping up. WestJet is increasing flights from Winnipeg and deploying larger aircraft, while Air Transat adds a frequency from Montreal. Sunwing will introduce a new route from Victoria on December 10.
Domestically, Viva Aerobus is significantly expanding, with 316 December flights compared to 274 last year. While Volaris has scaled back operations due to engine overhauls, Puerto Vallarta’s overall air traffic flow remains robust, promising an uptick in passenger arrivals.
Search trends also highlight Puerto Vallarta’s popularity. Expedia ranks it among the top 10 international destinations for Canadian travelers, and Booking.com lists it as one of Mexico’s three most sought-after winter vacation spots, alongside Cancun and Mexico City.
Hotel occupancy rates are projected to soar, with Puerto Vallarta forecasted to reach 82.3% during the holiday period, ranking fourth nationally. According to Mexico’s Tourism Ministry, the positive outlook extends beyond Puerto Vallarta. Overall, this season is expected to generate a tourism economic impact of 263.6 billion pesos, a 6.2% increase over last year.
With its blend of natural beauty and enhanced connectivity, Puerto Vallarta is set to shine as a top winter destination, reinforcing its status as a key player in Mexico’s tourism industry. https://banderasnews.com/
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