Mexico’s state of Nayarit has announced significant achievements in 2024, highlighted by a surge in tourism and commitment to sustainability. Mexico welcomed 34.3 million tourists within the first five months of 2024. Nuevo Nayarit ranked among the top three in Mexico for hotel occupancy with an outstanding 81.8 percent.
Nuevo Nayarit, with its beaches and tourist spots such as Bucerías, Punta Mita, Sayulita, Litubú, Rincón de Guayabitos and Chacala, continues to attract visitors from around the world. Despite the increase in arrivals, Nayarit remains committed to promoting sustainable tourism.
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort underscores this commitment by collaborating with the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas to promote responsible practices among guests, regulate visitor numbers, and ensure the conservation of Islas Marietas and its biodiversity. Similarly, W Punta de Mita fosters the region’s micro-economy by sourcing artisanal goods and organic ingredients from local suppliers. The resort also participates in regular beach clean-ups. It has eliminated plastic use through the “no straw needed” campaign, promoting products based on organic waste to reduce disposable material consumption.
The Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks has recognized Nayarit’s beaches as some of the cleanest in the country. Nuevo Nayarit’s beach holds the Blue Flag certification and ranks fourth among Mexico’s top 10 cleanest beaches. Other Blue Flag beaches in Nayarit include the Riviera Nayarit Marina and the Marina Fonatur in San Blas.
Investment in Nayarit’s infrastructure continues to soar, with the upcoming Tepic-Riviera Nayarit International Airport poised to accommodate international flights. The airport’s modernization includes expanding facilities, improving infrastructure and implementing new technology to ensure passenger comfort and security. Upon completion, the airport will be able to receive up to 4 million passengers annually. The airport is expected to be fully operational in the first half of 2025. The opening will include new jet bridges, more than 33,000 square feet of shops and restaurants, and a new car rental center. The entire immigration process will also be digital.
Seventy-two percent of visitors who come to Nayarit do so for tourism, and 60 percent of those visitors are international tourists. The expansion of global flight operations at the Riviera Nayarit International Airport will enhance connectivity with major cities across North America, as the airport is currently in negotiation with several gateways across the U.S. and Canada.
Nayarit’s hotel sector is also experiencing unprecedented growth, with at least 10 new openings planned by 2026. Major hotel investors, including AMResorts, Grupo Vidanta, Marriott International and Melia, are spearheading this expansion. Family-friendly hotels such as Iberostar Grand and the Cirque du Soleil theme park will enhance Nayarit’s appeal as a destination for all ages. The development plan also includes opening Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Westin, Autograph Collection and Ritz-Carlton properties. Melia Hotels International Group will introduce the Gran Melia Hotel in Riviera Nayarit with 180 rooms and suites and Hotel Zel Sayulita in 2025. The Belmont brand will debut its Milaroca hotel in 2025, while Montage and Pendry are slated to open within the Punta Mita complex in 2026.
The surge in hotel bookings to the Riviera Nayarit is also seen in an increase in arrivals to the three airports that serve the state, including the Bay of Banderas, which witnessed over 3.7 million arrivals by air in the first half of 2024. This marks a 2.6 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
For more information, visit www.visitnayarit.travel.
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