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Over 700 national and international tourism leaders are expected to attend the thirty-first edition of Gala 2026, the most significant trade event for the tourism industry in the Mexican Pacific coast, taking place from March 10 to 12, 2026, in Puerto Vallarta.
5,000 business appointments are scheduled for this edition, reaffirming Gala as one of the country’s most important specialized tourism gatherings. Participants include companies such as Expedia, Booking, HBX Group, Despegar Group, Keytel, Travelzoo, and PriceTravel Holding. National and international airlines will also attend, including Aeroméxico, Viva, Volaris, TAR, American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, WestJet, Sunwing, Air Transat, and Air Canada. For 2026, all have confirmed their interest in destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Costalegre, Guadalajara, and the “Pueblos Mágicos” of inland Jalisco.
Additionally, hosted buyers from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom, Argentina, the Netherlands, Colombia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica will attend, creating opportunities to increase tourist flows to these regions. The meeting drives strategic alliances, strengthens joint promotion, and reaffirms Puerto Vallarta as a host for international events that promote investment, connectivity, and tourism development.
According to the local Tourism Board, Puerto Vallarta closed 2025 with record-breaking figures, welcoming 6,265,000 visitors and generating an economic impact of 40,924 million pesos. The destination saw increased influx and air connectivity, reaching a historical peak of nearly 7 million passengers at its airport. It also expanded its infrastructure with the opening of 1,706 new rooms while maintaining an average occupancy rate of nearly 70%. This growth was driven by a robust promotional strategy, new flight routes from Canada and the U.S., and an increase in international cruise arrivals, strengthening its regional competitiveness.
In this context, agreements reached during Gala 2025 with wholesalers, airlines, and North American commercial partners contributed to the increase in reservations and air seats to the destination. The sector’s positive performance positions Gala as a key platform for business generation and projects the 2026 edition as the continuation of a cycle of sustained tourism growth.
Full Operational Stability and Security for Puerto Vallarta
State authorities confirmed that Puerto Vallarta maintains fully normalized tourism operations, with infrastructure, air connectivity, and services functioning smoothly. Permanent security coordination is also in place to ensure optimal conditions for visitors and business partners.
The destination reports regular activity on roads and highway access; the International Airport is operating domestic and international arrivals and departures without disruption; and its beaches, hotel zone, Malecón, historic center, restaurants, and service providers continue to welcome visitors with their signature quality and hospitality.
Jalisco Secretary of Tourism Michelle Fridman stated regarding the event: “It generates opportunities and projects to the world the diversity of experiences offered by this region of the Mexican Pacific. Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit once again become the meeting point to continue building the future of tourism.”
Backed by sustained growth, new strategic investments, airport expansion, and constantly strengthening international connectivity, Puerto Vallarta enters Gala 2026 consolidated as one of Mexico’s most competitive beach destinations, reaffirming its role as the tourism engine of the Mexican Pacific and a reliable platform for international business and alliances.
For more information about Gala 2026, visit www.galavallartanayarit.com.
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