RIVIERA NAYARIT — Coming off one of its strongest years to date in 2018, Riviera Nayarit has reported a continued upward trend in tourism in 2019, with Canadian visitors leading the charge.

From January to June 2019, the destination saw a 5% increase in visitors compared to the same period last year. During the first half of the year, a total of 191,402 Canadians arrived, representing a 5.8% increase over 2018, while 244,692 Americans (+4.4%) were also recorded.

Thus far, tourism has contributed over US$785 million in revenue for the destination, of which $649 million came from international tourists.

The southern region of Bahia de Banderas maintained an average hotel occupancy rate of 82.4%, with an average low density occupation rate of 2.44 guests per room. Average occupancy rates at four- and five-star properties also saw an increase.

Beyond its upscale accommodations and beautiful beaches, Riviera Nayarit is also one of Mexico’s safest destinations. From January to June 2019, the area reported some of the lowest crime rates in Mexico, according to data collected by the Executive Secretariat of the Public Security System.

“We had one of our strongest years to date in 2018 and are proud to see our numbers for the first half of this year are on pace to outperform that success,” said Marc Murphy, managing director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are seeing an increase in not only the average occupancy rates at our properties but also in the rates at which those rooms are being sold, which signifies a positive impact on the local economy as we attract higher spending travellers.”