Tuesday, October 21, 2008

October 21, 2008

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico - Based on the success of Riviera Nayarit, and planned investments in major new tourism developments in the region, Governor Ney Gonzalez of the state of Nayarit, Mexico has just announced that Riviera Nayarit will expand to encompass the entire coastline in the state of Nayarit.

Riviera Nayarit was launched in spring 2007, encompassing 112 miles (180 km.) along the coast of the state of Nayarit from Nuevo Vallarta, just north of Puerto Vallarta International Airport, to colonial town of San Blas. The new Riviera Nayarit extends from Nuevo Vallarta 192 miles (307 km) along the coast of Nayarit to its border with the state of Sinaloa. The new, utterly undeveloped terrain is a blend of mangroves and Pacific beaches. For more information on Riviera Nayarit visit www.RivieraNayarit.com

Riviera Nayarit's success as a destination has been spectacular. Despite being a new destination, this is the second year that Riviera Nayarit has been the fourth highest tourism destination in Mexico in capturing investment, including a 12.5% increase in 2007. Over $350 million was committed to 35 projects spread across several key areas in Riviera Nayarit, including Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita, Litibu and Flamingos. Almost three-quarters of the investment comes from interests in Mexico and 10% from American companies.

Since 2005, the Mexican government has invested $1.5 billion in tourism facilities and infrastructure in Riviera Nayarit, including a major new highway system under construction. While the majority of hotel development in Nayarit is by Spanish brands, high-level American brands currently in the market or planned for the future include: St. Regis, Four Seasons, Hyatt and Capella.

Mexico's Fonatur is now planning a major development beside the new northern border of Riviera Nayarit, which will be accessed via Mazatlán's international airport.

In addition, the region reports the highest hotel occupancy rates in Mexico. To date in 2008, the average occupancy of hotels that are members of the Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau has topped 79%, with highest occupancy in the months of January, February, March and July.

About Riviera Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit is Mexico's newest travel destination stretching along 192 miles of pristine Pacific coast framed by spectacular mountains to the north of renowned Puerto Vallarta. Mostly undeveloped, the destination extends along the entire coast of the coastal Pacific state of NAyarit including the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta, the historic, colonial town of San Blas, exclusive Punta Mita and the spectacular Banderas Bay. The region features luxury resorts and eco-tourism boutique hotels, world-renowned surfing, four professional golf courses, rare native wildlife including sea turtles and tropical birds, mountain and island adventures, shopping for local artwork and traditional Huichol handicrafts, charming fishing towns and miles of serene beaches. For more information, visit: www.RivieraNayarit.com.

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