Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Although the remodeling of, and improvements to, the Isla Rio Cuale has been on the back burner for years, the Jalisco Tourism Secretary recently announced that it will soon be a reality.

Last week, Biópolis Guadalajara company executives presented project plans to representatives of the Coordinated Business Council of Puerto Vallarta & Banderas Bay, municipal and state authorities, and members of the local media.

In addition to the tourist corridor along the banks of the Cuale River, it was suggested that Colonia Emiliano Zapata be included in the renovation project. Another proposed item was the reconstruction of the Cuale River bridge stairs which, to avoid accidents, were removed more than a year ago due to infrastructure damage.

Architect Iraida Valleo Ochoa, the director of Biópolis Guadalajara, said that the proposed project stemmed from several technical and social studies of the island to determine the needs and requirements of local users as well as tourists.

"The studies corroborated what the naked eye can see, the island - which we believe should be a green area of great environmental, cultural and commercial value - is one of the most neglected areas in the city because there are as many businesses closed as there are operating."

She added that restaurants, at the time of their construction, were closed off from the landscape, and that the project proposes their revitalization, not replacement, to strengthen the local economy and enrich the uses and purposes of the island.

Although no date has been set for the work to begin, the project includes three stages with an investment of 145 million pesos in the first two stages.

The director of Biópolis Guadalajara reiterated that reconstructing the staircase that connects the Cuale Island to downtown is necessary, and that the project will include access for people with disabilities, a bike path, outdoor exhibition areas and signage, among other services that will undoubtedly strengthen tourism in Puerto Vallarta.