Business

The first all-inclusive resort under the Westin brand in Mexico has officially opened in Puerto Vallarta following a multimillion-dollar renovation that transformed the former The Westin Resort & Spa into The Westin Playa Vallarta, an All-Inclusive Resort.

Viva Aerobus has announced it will serve as an official sponsor of the Vallarta Pride Parade, aligning the Mexican airline with one of Mexico’s most recognized LGBTQ+ festivals ahead of the celebration that will be held May 17–24, 2026.

Celebrate Vallarta Pride Weekend with Cheeky Pool Club on May 23, 24, 2026.

For more than 15 years, Reinas Bar has been a fixture of Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, welcoming locals, tourists and longtime regulars into its crown-filled cantina in Zona Romántica.

Across Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, 99 properties closed during the month. Activity remains strong, particularly in lifestyle-driven areas such as the Romantic Zone, the Hotel Zone, and Nuevo Vallarta. But the rhythm has changed.

Thousands of gay travelers are set to arrive in Puerto Vallarta on April 22 as an Atlantis Events charter aboard Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady makes its first call in the destination, marking both a high-volume LGBTQ tourism influx and the cruise line’s debut in the port.

A new luxury rental property in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica is now open, offering both short- and long-term stays as it begins introducing the building to potential tenants ahead of Pride 2026. 

Whiskey Kitchen, the popular comfort-food restaurant led by chef and owner Gina Rae, will move to the Joint. Boutique Hotel in Zona Romántica

City officials and tourism officials told business leaders on Thursday, March 18, 2026, that Puerto Vallarta is seeing a rapid recovery and sustained visitor activity three weeks after the disruptive events of Feb. 22.

Puerto Vallarta drew nearly 30,000 visitors over the Benito Juárez birthday Memorial holiday, posting an 84% hotel occupancy rate from March 13 to 16, according to local tourism officials in a press release from the City of Puerto Vallarta.

The popular Olas Altas street in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica has welcomed a new restaurant and bar featuring a Tex-Mex comfort food concept. The venue is backed by the service expertise of Corporativo EuroSpa PV, the local company behind established LGBTQ+ favorites such as Spartacus Sauna (Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas), Spartacus Boutique Hostel, and Hamam Turkish Spa.

After years of designing and producing its own bold apparel, Blondies Design Studio has expanded its fashion manufacturing operation to serve other local businesses, entertainers and organizations.

Puerto Vallarta´s LGBTQ+ Business Community has issued this statement following this past Sunday’s events, to "update the community and visitors from around the world with openness and transparency."

Hyden Custom Made Furniture welcomed design enthusiasts, clients and community members Thursday to an open house and reception at its Puerto Vallarta workshop, showcasing handcrafted pieces and offering guests a behind-the-scenes look at its design process.

After nearly 16 years presiding over one of Puerto Vallarta’s most distinctive nightlife venues, the owner of Reinas Bar, Marcus (Marco) Van Groeningen, says he will step aside and hand over the establishment’s “crown” to a new proprietor this spring.

Bar Frida & Restaurant will celebrate its 25th anniversary in June 2026, solidifying its status as one of Puerto Vallarta's most iconic and historic LGBTQ+ establishments. As this milestone approaches, we sat down with owner Tom Finley and director Mike Laking to discuss the busy lineup of events and updates at the restaurant and bar this season. Tom opened with a statement that has defined his vision over the years: “Bar Frida doesn’t follow; it leads.”

Puerto Vallarta set new tourism records in 2025, posting gains in visitor arrivals, hotel occupancy, airport traffic and cruise activity despite a year marked by geopolitical tensions that dampened travel in other destinations.

PVRPV introduces two brand-new listings, each offering a completely different perspective on the city, yet both unmistakably Puerto Vallarta.

Meet Eric Flores, the owner of MexCar PV - a specialized automotive advisory firm dedicated to transforming the car-buying experience from a source of stress into a seamless transition.

Rico Indian marked its third anniversary Dec. 21 with a sold-out celebration on Isla Cuale, reflecting the restaurant’s steady growth and refinement since opening in 2022.