The COVID-19 pandemic quickly turned our world upside down and made the last two months complicated in almost every way. Planes have been grounded, borders have been closed, and most people have been ordered to stay at home. The damage is widespread but perhaps the industry affected most is the tourism industry. New bookings have ground to a standstill while cancellations have soared. In a matter of weeks, Puerto Vallarta hotels and vacation rental companies watched their reservation calendars get wiped out. Restaurants, shops, and tour operators saw foot traffic dwindle and eventually evaporate entirely, forcing them to shut their doors.
Travel industry experts predict that 50 million tourism jobs are at risk due to the effects of the pandemic and that the global tourism industry, which makes up 10% of global GDP, will miss $2 trillion in revenue in 2020. Those are no small figures and they help explain why many are calling this the worst event to happen to the tourism industry, ever. While the state of current affairs is certainly grim, there are several reasons to be confident that Puerto Vallarta’s tourism industry will bounce back. Vallarta is no stranger to adversity and it has recovered from similar significant events in the past.
Puerto Vallarta’s tourism industry has suffered but ultimately survived flu outbreaks, economic recessions, and natural disasters. Great damage has been inflicted on the economy on multiple occasions, but each time the culture, attractions, and accessibility of Puerto Vallarta have allowed it to not only regain what was lost but to develop and grow beyond what it once was.
In 2009, Vallarta tourism was struck with a double whammy. First, the global financial meltdown sent shocks through the tourism sector as individuals and families cut their leisure spending. Later in the same year, the H1N1 pandemic, also known as the “Swine Flu”, broke out in central Mexico and quickly spread across the nation and into neighboring countries. The health of Mexican citizens and foreign visitors was at risk and a new set of travel restrictions recommended against visiting Mexico. The economies of Puerto Vallarta and several other Mexican tourism areas were put on hold much like we see today. Empty streets, shuttered businesses, and large increases in unemployment.
However, the people of Puerto Vallarta managed to find the strength to cope with the situation and when the vaccine arrived, an influx of visitors was close behind. The tourist services recovered and the people of Vallarta resumed their lifestyles. The streets sprung back into action, businesses reopened their doors, and of course, the beauty and culture of Puerto Vallarta remained intact.
This time, we are facing a complicated and extraordinary virus, one that must be treated with the utmost seriousness and responsibility to avoid further spread. Fortunately, the Jalisco state and Puerto Vallarta municipal governments have been ahead of the curve and are taking the appropriate measures to limit infections to a minimum. These measures include the closure of non-essential businesses, including hotels and accommodation services, the banning of events, and residents have been asked to stay at home. The state and local governments are utilizing campaigns on social networks and through traditional media channels to keep the public updated, inform how to properly wash hands, and detail the protective measures that should be taken if it’s necessary to leave the house.
The response from the state and local authorities has been more swift and effective than the approach from the federal government. The people of Puerto Vallarta are listening to their leadership and are handling the contingency with responsibility. Vallartenses understand tourism won’t return until the virus has been beaten and therefore, they are committed to flattening the contagion curve. We are staying home (#quedateEnCasa) until we receive the “all clear” to enjoy the beach, the sun, and the jungle of our beloved city. The effective leadership we are experiencing and the subsequent response from locals are additional reasons to be confident about the timely return of tourism in Puerto Vallarta.
Another reason for optimism? Cabin fever. 94% of Americans and Canadians – Vallarta’s favorite visitors – are currently under lockdown orders and most have been confined to their homes for multiple weeks. Mexican nationals from Guadalajara, Leon, and Morelia have been forced to cancel their annual Vallarta holiday for Holy Week. What do you think they’re going to want to do when it’s finally safe to leave the house? Get out and travel!
People will feel the need to make up for canceled trips and lost time and where better to do it than in Puerto Vallarta? Vallarta is accessible, affordable, and offers something for every taste and type of group. Mexican nationals will lead the recovery and will flock to Vallarta’s beaches, pools, and discos at the first chance they get. Foreign visitors will arrive shortly after, filling hotels, condos, restaurants, and tours. Visitors will bond with their family members and significant others, walk the Malecón, enjoy fresh ceviche, and sip margaritas at sunset with their feet in the sand. Ahhh, how freedom was missed.
There is no doubt that we are in the middle of a difficult situation, but there are many reasons to believe Puerto Vallarta Tourism will bounce back after the pandemic. Vallarta’s tourism industry has proven to be resilient, having survived hardship multiple times before. State and local governments are providing effective leadership to combat the virus and the locals of Puerto Vallarta are responding. Last, Puerto Vallarta’s culture, attractions, and accessibility make it the perfect place for people to go once they’re allowed to leave their homes and make up for lost time.
As you’re stuck at home, think of the reasons you love Puerto Vallarta and why you’re eager to return. Visualize the golden beaches, the emerald waves crashing on the shore leaving a white trail that melts at your feet. Remember the lush, green mountains and the warm sun that delights your pupils each morning. The smell of the sea breeze that ruffles your hair and the jaw-dropping sunsets from your favorite spot on the Malecón. Above all, remember the people of Vallarta, those who await your arrival with a big smile and an open heart. The people of Puerto Vallarta will not give up, even under the worst circumstances. We will be here, doing everything we can to make it safe for your return. And when you return, we will celebrate like never before. Stay safe, stay optimistic, and we’ll see you soon.