Over 750 tourism professionals from more than a dozen countries gathered in Puerto Vallarta this month for the 31st edition of GALA Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit, the Mexican Pacific’s biggest travel trade event. From March 10 to 12, hoteliers, tour operators, and airline reps packed the International Convention Center for three days of back-to-back business meetings.
The numbers tell the story. More than 6,000 pre-scheduled appointments took place across the event, matching last year’s record pace. Buyers flew in from the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the UK, Israel, India, and several Latin American markets. Romance travel, luxury packages, golf tourism, LGBTQ+ offerings, and MICE segments all saw heavy interest from attending buyers. The diversity of niches represented at GALA shows just how broad the destination’s appeal has become.
What made this year different was the tone. After a challenging February, the industry showed up with conviction, not caution. Hoteliers reported strong advance bookings through Holy Week and into summer. New luxury properties like Garza Blanca Sanctuary Tower added fresh inventory to showcase. The convention center renovations gave the venue a polished feel that matched the ambition in the room.
For travelers, GALA’s success translates into better packages, more flight routes, and expanded options across every budget. When 750 industry decision-makers bet on a destination at once, the ripple effects reach your next vacation. Check out things to do in Puerto Vallarta or browse hotels and resorts to start planning your trip.
