Nayarit, a Leading Tourist Destination in Mexico
We proudly announce significant achievements in 2024, highlighting the increase in tourism and a strong dedication to sustainability. Looking ahead, in Nayarit we promise to remain committed to the environment and high-quality tourism. Nuevo Nayarit has positioned itself as a prominent destination, ranking among the top three in Mexico in terms of hotel occupancy, with 81.8 percent.
Attracting Visitors Globally
Nuevo Nayarit, with its renowned beaches and popular tourist spots such as Bucerías, Punta Mita, Sayulita, Litibú, Rincón de Guayabitos, and Chacala, continues to attract visitors from around the world. Despite the increase, we are committed to preserving natural beauty and promoting sustainable tourism.
he St. Regis Punta Mita Resort exemplifies this commitment by collaborating with the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas to promote responsible practices among guests, regulate visitor numbers, and ensure the conservation of the Marietas Islands and their rich biodiversity for future generations. Similarly, W Punta de Mita supports the region’s microeconomy by sourcing artisanal products and organic ingredients from local suppliers. The resort also engages in marine flora and fauna protection through regular beach cleanups. It has eliminated the use of plastics through the “no straw needed” campaign, promoting products made from organic waste to reduce disposable material consumption.
Ongoing Investments in Tourism
The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks has recognized Nayarit’s beaches as some of the cleanest in the country. Nuevo Nayarit’s beach boasts the prestigious “Blue Flag” certification and ranks fourth among the ten cleanest beaches in Mexico. Other Blue Flag beaches in Nayarit include Marina Riviera Nayarit and Marina Fonatur in San Blas.
Investment in Nayarit’s infrastructure continues to grow, with the upcoming Tepic-Riviera Nayarit International Airport set to welcome international flights. The ongoing modernization of the airport includes facility expansion, infrastructure improvements, and the implementation of cutting-edge technology to ensure passenger comfort and safety. Once completed, the airport will be able to accommodate up to four million passengers annually.
The airport is expected to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2025. The opening will include new boarding gates, over 33,000 square feet of shops and restaurants, and a new car rental center featuring international brands like Avis, Budget, and Hertz. The entire immigration process will also be digital.
The airport completed its first international test flight in April, marking a crucial step in its transformation. The decision to rebrand was strategic to position the airport as the gateway to Riviera Nayarit. Seventy-two percent of visitors arriving in Nayarit come for tourism, and 60 percent of these visitors are international tourists. The expansion of global flight operations at Riviera Nayarit International Airport will enhance connectivity with major North American cities, as the airport is currently negotiating with several entry points in the U.S. and Canada.
A Growing Hotel Sector
Nayarit’s hotel sector is also experiencing unprecedented growth, with at least ten new openings planned for 2026. Major hotel investors, including AMResorts, Grupo Vidanta, Marriott International, and Melia, are leading this expansion. Family-friendly hotels like Iberostar Grand and the Cirque du Soleil theme park will enhance Nayarit’s appeal as a top destination for all ages. The development plan also includes the opening of properties from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Westin, Autograph Collection, and Ritz-Carlton. Melia Hotels International Group will introduce the Gran Melia Hotel in Riviera Nayarit with 180 rooms and suites, and the Hotel Zel Sayulita in 2025. The Belmont brand will debut with its Milaroca hotel in 2025, while Montage and Pendry are scheduled to open at the Punta Mita complex in 2026.
This increase in hotel bookings for Riviera Nayarit is also reflected in the rise in arrivals at the three airports serving the state, including Bahia de Banderas, which has seen a boost with over 3.7 million air arrivals in the first half of 2024. This marks a 2.6 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Nayarit’s progress in 2024 underscores its status as a leading destination that harmonizes tourism growth with sustainable practices, ensuring that its natural treasures and vibrant culture continue to thrive for future generations.
