New York - Puerto Vallarta, one of Conde Nast Traveler's 'Top Cities in the World,' has set a new record in hotel occupancy and international arrivals with the closure of 2017, receiving even more visitors than expected.

Puerto Vallarta's Hotel Association has reported that Puerto Vallarta, which is currently celebrating its 100th anniversary, had a 75.6% occupancy rate for the year of 2017. Similarly, Puerto Vallarta's International Airport (PVR) received 3,093,200 international passengers, according to Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, which runs the airport.

Visitors from the United States make up the largest percentage of international arrivals with 50.78% followed by Canadians at 15.62 % and Europeans at 1.51%. National arrivals make up 32.09%. Los Angeles (280,812), Dallas (240,927) and Seattle (211,944) are the top origins from the US, while Calgary (153,342), Vancouver (118,365) and Toronto (105,001) are the top from Canada.

In addition, 293,791 cruise passengers visited Vallarta in 2017 as 145 cruises called on the city's port. Three more than in 2016.

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is currently working on securing a successful 2018 as it will host its annual tourism trade show, Gala Puerto Vallarta - Riviera Nayarit, the largest tourism industry event in Mexico's Pacific Coast from February 12-13. Gala Puerto Vallarta – Riviera Nayarit started 23 years ago as a way to grow business for Puerto Vallarta's hotels and tour operators; in 2006 the event expanded to include Riviera Nayarit properties and tourism offering.

This year, over 95 hotels from both destinations and 500 travel professionals will participate in Gala Puerto Vallarta – Riviera Nayarit with over 1,027 appointments already confirmed. Almost 70 wholesalers, 40 from the US and Canada, are confirmed to attend, including representatives from Air Canada, Air Transat, American Airlines Vacations, Apple Vacations, Best Day Travel, Book it, Delta Vacations, Expedia, Gran Plan Aeroméxico, Priceline.com, Southwest Vacations, Sunwing Vacations, West Jet Vacation and others. A delegation of national and international travel industry media will also be in attendance.

A grand opening ceremony celebrating Puerto Vallarta's Charro lifestyle and the city's centennial will take place on the 12th at the Lienzo Charro Miguel "Prieto" Ibarría, a popular rodeo arena just outside of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2016, the Charrería is an authentic celebration of the traditional Mexican Charro lifestyle, and very much a part of Jalisco's living heritage. It is not bullfighting, but a type of highly festive and colorful rodeo featuring Charros, or traditional Mexican horsemen, exhibiting their skills at horse reining, bull riding, livestock roping and other equestrian talents. The Charrería is considered Mexico's national sport and is not only an art form but a sport with strict rules and important prizes.

Puerto Vallarta hosts an annual International Charro Championship every year in February and recently celebrated its 7th edition.

"Gala Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit is the place for business and deals to be made," said Javier Aranda Pedrero, General Director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. "This is where rates are set for 30,000 plus hotel rooms located in the region for the upcoming season. The economic impact of the work we do at Gala is a benefit for all of us in Puerto Vallarta."

About Puerto Vallarta

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is responsible for promoting Puerto Vallarta as a tourism destination both in national and international markets. Located in the heart of Mexico's Pacific coastline and framed by the rugged, tropical Sierra Madre Mountains to the east and facing Banderas Bay, Mexico's largest natural bay and second largest on the American continent, Puerto Vallarta is easily accessible from the U.S. and Canada. Puerto Vallarta enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round, with average daytime temperatures of 80°F and cooler evening temperatures in winter months. Located 4 miles from downtown Puerto Vallarta, Gustavo Diaz International airport receives over 4 million visitors annually. The destination is home to 300,000 residents and offers an estimated 22,500 hotel rooms with over half in 4-star-plus properties.